Chicago Blackhawks (2-2-1) vs Buffalo Sabres (1-4-1)
Game Info: Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 8:00 pm (United Center)
The Line: Betting Odds: Chicago Blackhawks +110 / Buffalo Sabres -130 — Over/Under: 6.5
The Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks meet Saturday in NHL action at the United Center. Here’s a Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction. This article will include a Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks Pick.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres lost to the Penguins and Blue Jackets, and play the Stars next. The Buffalo Sabres are averaging 2.83 goals per game and are scoring on 0 percent of their power play opportunities. Tage Thompson leads Buffalo with 3 goals, Alex Tuch has 4 assists and Dylan Cozens has 22 shots on goal. Defensively, the Buffalo Sabres are allowing 4 goals per game and are killing 71.4 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Devon Levi has given up 11 goals on 87 shots faced, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has allowed 11 goals on 87 shots.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks lost to the Flames, beat the Sharks, and play the Canucks next. The Chicago Blackhawks are averaging 2.6 goals per game and are scoring on 31.3 percent of their power play opportunities. Teuvo Teravainen leads Chicago with 3 goals, Connor Bedard has 6 assists and Seth Jones has 16 shots on goal. Defensively, the Chicago Blackhawks are allowing 2.8 goals per game and are killing 83.3 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Petr Mrazek has given up 10 goals on 112 shots faced, and Arvid Soderblom has allowed 2 goals on 35 shots.
Why the Chicago Blackhawks will win
- The Blackhawks have won each of their last five night games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Sabres have lost six of their last seven night games against Central Division opponents.
- The Blackhawks have covered the puck line in each of their last four games as home underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three games as road favorites against Central Division opponents.
Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts
- Connor Bedard has recorded an assist in each of the Blackhawks’ last five games against Atlantic Division opponents at United Center.
- Jason Dickinson has scored at least one goal in three of the Blackhawks’ last four games against Atlantic Division opponents at United Center.
- Connor Bedard has recorded at least one point in each of the Blackhawks’ last five home games against Atlantic Division opponents.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Jason Zucker has scored at least one goal in four of his last five appearances with his team as a road favorite against Central Division opponents.
- Jason Zucker has recorded at least one point in each of his last four road appearances against Central Division opponents.
- Alex Tuch has recorded an assist in four of his last five appearances in night games at United Center.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 29th in the league for shots per game this season (26.2).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank T4th in the league for power-play goals this season (5).
- The Buffalo Sabres rank T26th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (71.43%).
- The Buffalo Sabres rank T31st in the league for power-play goals this season (0).
Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction
The Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks are two teams I’m not eager to back based on reputation. The Blackhawks are still limited offensively and trying to find an identity, while the Sabres have underachieved for years and have been a major letdown in the betting market. With that said, somebody has to win, and if forced to pick I want plus money attached to it. Give me some bang for my buck if forced to get behind one of these teams. It just so happens the Blackhawks are that team, and they’re at home. While the Sabres have won 5 of the last 6 games against the Blackhawks, I’m going with the home dog.