Panthers vs Sabres Prediction 10/18/2025 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Panthers vs Sabres prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, October 18th 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 3-3-0 this year after they lost to New Jersey by a score of 3-1 in their last game. Florida led 1-0 early in the game, but they allowed one goal in the second and two in the third for the low scoring loss. The Panthers were out shot by a total of 33-22, won 56% of the face-offs, and went 0-5 on the power play in the game. Florida also recorded 27 hits and 18 blocked shots in the loss. The Panthers got their lone goal from Rodrigues, while Jones led the team with six hits in the game. Florida started Tarasov, who stopped 30 out of 33 shots, which was a .909 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, the Panthers lost to the Red Wings and Flyers. Florida has lost three games in a row and they are currently tied for third in the Atlantic standings with six points. Florida has scored 2.50 goals per game and they have allowed 2.83 goals against per game, while also going 25% on the power play and 90% on the penalty kill this season. Brad Marchand has led Florida with three goals and three assists, while Anton Lundell has added two goals and three assists this season. The projected starting goalie for Florida is Sergei Bobrovsky, who is 3-1-0 with a 1.77 goals against average and a .922 save percentage this year. 

Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview

The Buffalo Sabres are 1-3-0 this season after they defeated Ottawa by a score of 8-4 in their last game. Buffalo trailed 2-1 in the second period, but they scored six of the last eight goals for the blowout win. The Sabres were out shot by a total of 37-27, won 35.1% of the face-offs, and went 3-3 on the power play in the game. Buffalo also recorded 29 hits and 20 blocked shots in the win. The Sabres got goals from Kulich, McLeod (2), Quinn (2), Tuch, and Zucker (2), while Thompson led the way with five hits in the game. Buffalo started Lyon, who stopped 33 out of 37 shots, which was an .892 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, the Sabres lost to the Avalanche and lost to the Bruins. Buffalo has lost three of their first four games and they are currently last in the Atlantic Division with two points. The Sabres have scored 2.50 goals per game and they have allowed 3.50 goals against per game, while also going 21.4% on the power play and 93.8% on the penalty kill this season. Zach Benson has led Buffalo with four assists, while Tuch, Doan, Thompson, Zucker, and Dahlin all have three points. The projected starting goalie for Buffalo is Alex Lyon, who is 1-3-0 with a 3.05 goals against average and a .911 save percentage this season. 

Why the Florida Panthers will win

The Panthers have won six of their last seven road games against the Sabres.
The Sabres have lost four of their last five games against Atlantic Division opponents.
The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six games as underdogs.
The Panthers have covered the puck line in three of their last four road games against the Sabres.
The Sabres have lost the third period in each of their last four day games at KeyBank Center following a win.

Total Goals Facts

Eleven of the Sabres’ last 12 day games against opponents on a losing streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
Eleven of the Panthers’ last 14 road games have gone OVER the total goals line.
Twelve of the last 16 day games between two teams from the Atlantic Division have gone OVER the total goals line.
The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Sabres’ last 10 day games.
The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Panthers’ last six road games against Atlantic Division opponents.

Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts

Jason Zucker has scored at least one goal in three of the Sabres’ last four home games against Atlantic Division opponents.
Rasmus Dahlin has recorded at least one assist in six of the Sabres’ last seven home games against Atlantic Division opponents.
Rasmus Dahlin has recorded at least one point in each of his last eight Saturday appearances at KeyBank Center.

Florida Panthers Player Prop Facts

Sam Bennett has scored a goal in four of his last five appearances with the Panthers as favorites against the Sabres.
Brad Marchand has recorded at least one point in each of the Panthers’ last eight games as road favorites.
Matthew Tkachuk has recorded at least one assist in each of his last six road appearances against the Sabres.

Panthers vs Sabres Prediction 

Buffalo was able to get their first win of the season in their last game and they will look to make it two in a row here. The Sabres are 1-2-0 at home this year, while the Panthers are 0-3-0 on the road. Florida has lost three games in a row and they have scored a total of four goals in that span. The Panthers are dealing with injuries and they have looked rough, but they are still better than this Buffalo team. Take Florida on the road.