Winnipeg Jets vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction NHL Picks 12/5/24

In this article, we will formulate a Winnipeg Jets vs Buffalo Sabres prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, December 5th at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

Winnipeg Jets Betting Preview

The Winnipeg Jets are 18-8-0 this year after they lost to St. Louis by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Winnipeg cut the deficit to 3-1 in the third period but allowed an empty net goal right after in the loss. The Jets were outshot by a total of 32-23, won 37.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Winnipeg got their lone goal from Scheifele, while Hellebuyck stopped 28 out of 31 shots in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Jets lost three games in a row against Dallas, Vegas, and Los Angeles. Winnipeg has scored 3.65 goals per game and they have allowed 2.58 goals against per game, while also going 30.7% on the power play and 80.9% on the penalty kill this season. Kyle Connor has led Winnipeg with 13 goals, 16 assists, and 86 shots on goal, while Connor Hellebuyck is 15-5-0 with a 2.16 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage this year. 

Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview

The Buffalo Sabres are 11-12-2 this season after they lost to Colorado by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Buffalo led 4-0 after the first period, but they allowed one goal in the second and four in the third for the loss. The Sabres were outshot by a total of 41-30, won 49.1% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Buffalo got goals from Malenstyn, Peterka, and Thompson (2), while UPL stopped 36 out of 41 shots in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Sabres lost three games in a row against the Islanders, Canucks, and Wild. Buffalo has scored 3.00 goals per game and they have allowed 3.12 goals against per game, while also averaging 14.7% on the power play and 80.2% on the penalty kill this season. Alex Tuch has led Buffalo with eight goals, 15 assists, and 61 shots on goal, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is 8-6-2 with a 2.69 goals against average and a .906 save percentage this year. 

Why the Sabres will beat the Jets

• The Sabres have won nine of their last 10 night games at KeyBank Center following a home loss.
• The Jets have lost five of their last six games.
• The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games as home underdogs following a loss.
• The Jets have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight Thursday games as favorites.
• The Jets have lost the second period in each of their last four road games against Atlantic Division opponents.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Sabres’ last seven games at KeyBank Center following a home loss has gone OVER the total goals line.
• Each of the Jets’ last six road games against the Sabres following a loss have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Seven of the last eight Thursday night games between teams from different divisions have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Jets’ last seven games against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in 22 of the Sabres’ last 29 games as underdogs against opponents on a losing streak.

Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts

• Tage Thompson has recorded at least one point in six of his last seven appearances in night games at KeyBank Center.
• Alex Tuch has recorded an assist in four of the Sabres’ last five games against Central Division opponents.

Winnipeg Jets Player Prop Facts

• Kyle Connor has recorded at least one point in each of the Jets’ last six games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
• Kyle Connor has recorded at least one assist in each of the Jets’ last six games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
• Mark Scheifele has scored at least one goal in four of the Jets’ last five games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.

Winnipeg Jets vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup trying to snap five-game losing streaks, but the Sabres will have the home-ice advantage. Buffalo is 6-7-1 at home, while Winnipeg is 9-6-0 on the road this year. The Jets started the season as the best team in the NHL, but they have scored just one goal in three of their last four games. The Sabres have been shutout in two of their last four, and they blew a 4-0 lead in their last game against Colorado. I don’t like how either team is playing, but the Jets have shown almost no life recently. Take the Sabres at home. 

David Racey's Pick: Sabres ML