| MATCHUP | Florida Panthers | Buffalo Sabres |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 2-1-2 | 2-3-0 |
| Spread | +1.5 -278 | -1.5 225 |
| Moneyline | -112 | -108 |
| Total | Over 6.5 (110) | Under 6.5 (-130) |
| Where | KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY | |
| When | Monday, October 12, 2026 | |
| Time | 01:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
In this article we will formulate a Panthers vs Sabres prediction for this NHL game on Monday, October 12th at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Florida Panthers Betting Preview
The Florida Panthers are 2-1-2 this year after they lost to the Wild by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Florida cut the deficit to 2-1 in the second period, but they failed to score in the last 37 minutes in the loss. The Panthers out shot Minnesota by a total of 30-29, won 36.8% of the face-offs, and went 0-5 on the power play in the game. Florida was led by Matthew Tkachuk, who had one goal and four shots, while Jacob Markstrom stopped 25 out of 28 shots, which was an .893 save percentage in the loss.
Prior to that game, Florida defeated the Kings by a score of 2-1, but lost to the Ducks by a score of 3-2 before that. The Panthers have scored 1.80 goals per game and they have allowed 2.40 goals against per game, while also going 3.6% on the power play and 77.3% on the penalty kill this season. Matthew Tkachuk has led the team with three goals and one assist, while Jacob Markstrom is 2-1-1 with a 1.71 goals against average and a .916 save percentage this year.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres are 2-3-0 this season after they lost to the Mammoth by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Buffalo led 1-0 in the first period, but they went scoreless over the last 52 minutes for the loss. The Sabres were out shot by a total of 30-24, won 46.7% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Buffalo was led by Tage Thompson, who had one goal and six shots, while Colten Ellis stopped 26 out of 30 shots, which was an .867 save percentage in the loss.
Prior to that game, Buffalo lost to the Stars by a score of 4-0, but did defeat the Wild by a score of 3-2 before that. The Sabres have scored 2.20 goals per game and they have allowed 3.80 goals against per game, while also going 5.9% on the power play and 62.5% on the penalty kill this season. Tage Thompson has led the Sabres with three goals and two assists, while Colten Ellis is 1-1-0 with a 2.91 goals against average and an .880 save percentage this season.
Why the Buffalo Sabres will win
- The Sabres have won each of their last six games as home underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Panthers have lost eight of their last nine games as road favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Panthers have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last 10 day games.
- The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last eight games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Panthers have lost the second period in each of their last four games at KeyBank Center.
Why the Florida Panthers will win
- The Panthers have won six of their last seven games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Sabres have lost five of their last six home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine games at KeyBank Center following a loss.
- The Panthers have covered the puck line in each of their last four games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Sabres have lost the third period in each of their last four day games against Atlantic Division opponents at KeyBank Center when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the Panthers’ last eight games as favorites following a home loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Five of the last six games between two teams from the Atlantic Division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Five of the Sabres’ last six games against the Panthers following a home loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Sabres’ last eight games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Panthers’ last 11 road games against Atlantic Division opponents.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Tage Thompson has scored a goal in each of the Sabres’ last three games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Rasmus Dahlin has recorded at least one assist in each of the Sabres’ last six games as home underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Tage Thompson is the only player in the league to have recorded 5+ shots in three or more consecutive appearances this season.
Florida Panthers Player Prop Facts
- Sam Reinhart has scored at least one goal in 16 of the Panthers’ last 18 Monday road games.
- Matthew Tkachuk has recorded at least one assist in each of his last six road appearances against the Sabres.
- Sam Bennett has recorded a career faceoff win percentage of 51.9% against the Sabres (min. 5 faceoffs) – most against any opponent (including playoffs).
Matchup/League Facts
- The Buffalo Sabres rank T26th in the league for goals per game this season (2.20).
- The Buffalo Sabres rank T26th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.80).
- The Florida Panthers rank T7th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.40).
- The Florida Panthers rank T1st in the league for Period 3 goals allowed per game this season (0.20).
Panthers vs Sabres Prediction
Buffalo comes into this matchup on a two game losing streak and they have been outscored 8-1 in those two losses. The Sabres are 2-2-0 at home this year, while the Panthers are 2-0-2 on the road. Florida has dropped three of their last four games and they have scored two or fewer in four of their last five. Both teams are struggling to score right now and it is an early start, so I like the under in this one.