Buffalo Sabres vs Vegas Golden Knights Prediction NHL Picks 1/4/25

In this article, we will formulate a Buffalo Sabres vs Vegas Golden Knights prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, January 4th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview

The Buffalo Sabres are 14-20-5 this season after they lost to Colorado in overtime by a score of 6-5 in their last game. Buffalo led 3-0 and 5-3, but they allowed Colorado to tie the game with eight seconds left, before losing just 38 seconds into overtime. The Sabres were outshot by a total of 29-21, won 55.2% of the face-offs, and went 2-3 on the power play in the game. Buffalo got goals from Benson, Zucker (3), and Byram, while UPL stopped 23 out of 29 shots in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Sabres lost to the Stars by a score of 4-2 but did beat St. Louis by a score of 4-2 before that. Buffalo has scored 3.08 goals per game and they have allowed 3.41 goals against per game, while also going 17.4% on the power play and 77.9% on the penalty kill this season. Tage Thompson has led Buffalo with 18 goals, 15 assists, and 96 shots on goal, while Jason Zucker has added 14 goals, 16 assists, and 71 shots on goal. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is 11-12-4 with a 3.07 goals against average and an .894 save percentage this season. 

Vegas Golden Knights Betting Preview

The Vegas Golden Knights are 26-9-3 this year after they defeated Philadelphia by a score of 5-2 in their last game. Vegas trailed 1-0 after the first period, but they scored the next four goals to pull away in the win. The Golden Knights outshot Philadelphia by a total of 27-25, won 57.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Vegas got goals from Dorofeyev, Holtz, Pearson, Stone, and Hague, while Samsonov stopped 23 out of 25 shots in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Golden Knights lost to the Canadiens by a score of 3-2 but did beat the Flames by a score of 3-0 before that. Vegas has won seven of their last eight games and they are currently leading the Pacific standings with 55 points. Vegas has scored 3.55 goals per game and they have allowed 2.71 goals against per game, while also going 24.7% on the power play and 80.2% on the penalty kill this season. Jack Eichel has led Vegas with 10 goals, 40 assists, and 113 shots on goal, while Mark Stone has added nine goals, 23 assists, and 47 shots on goal. Adin Hill is 16-6-2 with a 2.65 goals against average and a .902 save percentage this season. 

Why the Golden Knights will beat the Sabres

• The Golden Knights have won each of their last eight night games following a win.
• The Sabres have lost six of their last seven games after coming off overtime.
• The Golden Knights have covered the puck line in each of their last seven night games at T-Mobile Arena.
• The Sabres have lost the second period in each of their last three road games after coming off overtime.

Total Goals Facts

• Six of the Golden Knights’ last seven home games following a win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Four of the Sabres’ last five games have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Golden Knights’ last 14 games as home favorites against opponents on a losing streak.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Sabres’ last six games as underdogs.

Vegas Golden Knights Player Prop Facts

• Tomas Hertl has scored at least one goal in each of his last three appearances with his team as a favorite against the Sabres.
• Jack Eichel has recorded at least one point in each of the Golden Knights’ last five night games.
• Jack Eichel has recorded at least one assist in each of the Golden Knights’ last four night games at T-Mobile Arena.

Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts

• Alex Tuch has recorded at least one point in 12 of the Sabres’ last 13 road games against Pacific Division opponents.
• Alex Tuch has recorded at least one assist in each of the Sabres’ last four games as road underdogs against Pacific Division opponents.
• Jason Zucker has scored at least one goal in each of the Sabres’ last four games as underdogs.

Buffalo Sabres vs Vegas Golden Knights Prediction 

Vegas has been one of the best teams in the NHL over the last few weeks, as they have won 11 of their last 13 games, and they are 16-4-0 at home. The Golden Knights have one of the best scoring offenses in the NHL, while only allowing 2.71 goals per game on defense. Buffalo has lost two games in a row and they completely collapsed against Colorado last time out. The Sabres are 8-10-1 on the road and they have lost 15 of their last 18 games. I know Buffalo has played better since ending their 13-game losing streak, but Vegas continues to roll. Take the Golden Knights -1.5 here.