Pittsburgh Penguins vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction 1/17/25 NHL Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Pittsburgh Penguins vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, January 16th at the KeyBank Center. To formulate this prediction, we will look at: 

-The Penguins’ recent form and recent player performance 

-The Sabres’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Pittsburgh

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Buffalo

-Recent betting trends in games played between Pittsburgh and Buffalo

-A summary that ties it all together produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Penguins and Sabres. 

Penguins are Struggling

The Penguins are suddenly struggling heading into this game and they have lost three games in a row. In the last game against the Seattle Kraken, the Penguins scored only two goals, and they ended up losing by two goals. Bryan Rust had a strong game scoring a goal and finishing with four shots on goal. Tristan Jarry was in goal and he really struggled and he saved 14 of the 17 shots that he faced. 

The Penguins are averaging 2.95 goals while their defense is giving up 3.67 goals per game. The offense is ranked 16th in the league while the defense is ranked 32nd. They are averaging 28.63 shots per game which is 15th in the league. Sidney Crosby has had a strong season scoring 12 goals and adding 36 assists so far this season. There are five different players that have put up at least 32 points. Cody Glass is dealing with an injury and it’s unclear if he’s going to be able to go in this game. 

Why the Penguins Will Beat the Sabres

• The Sabres have lost six of their last seven games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The underdogs have won four of the Penguins’ last five games at KeyBank Center.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the last six games between the Penguins and Sabres at KeyBank Center.
• The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Sabres have lost the second period in each of their last four games as home favorites following a win.

Can Sabres Win Second Straight Game?

The Sabres faced off against the Carolina Hurricanes in the last game they were able to secure a 4-2 victory. At the end of the second period, they were up 3-0, and that was enough for the victory. Ryan McLeod had a huge game scoring three goals on the way to the victory. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen saved 35 of the 37 shots that he faced. Two games ago against the Seattle Kraken, the offense scored two goals but the defense gave up six goals. 

The Sabres are averaging 3.045 goals while their defense is giving up 3.34 goals per game. The offense is ranked 12th in the league while the defense is ranked 27th. They are shooting 11.3 percent which is 7th in the league. Opponents have a save percentage of .887 which is 7th in the league. Tage Thompson has scored 19 goals and added 16 assists so far this season. There are five different players that put up at least 31 points. Jordan Greenway is out with an injury. 

Why the Sabres Will Beat the Penguins 

• The Penguins have lost each of their last six road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Sabres have won each of their last four games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last four night games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games.
• The Penguins have lost the third period in each of their last four games at KeyBank Center following a loss.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction

Both of these offenses have been inconsistent but this game is going to be about the bad defenses. The Penguins defense is giving up 3.67 goals while the Sabres defense is giving up 3.34 goals per game. The Penguins’ offense is going to get out to a fast start, but the Penguins’ offense is going to also find success, and this game is going to be a shootout. Back the over to cash here.