Small slate of the NHL games tonight. We really only have one good matchup but, tomorrow’s games should be excellent. I’ll breakdown the Sabres vs the Blackhawks and offer some insight into my pick on that game.
Buffalo Sabres @ Chicago Blackhawks
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- TV Coverage: ESPN+
- Buffalo Sabres: 23-33-10, 6th Atlantic (11-17-5 Away)
- Chicago Blackhawks: 24-32-10,7th Central (11-16-5 Home)
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Buffalo Sabres | +128 | +145 | +1.5 (-170) | o6.0 (-105) |
| Chicago Blackhawks | -155 | -175 | -1.5 (+150) | u6.0 (-115) |
Trends:
- Over is 3-0-1 in Blackhawks last 4 overall.
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo’s last 7 games.
- Buffalo are 4-8 SU in their last 12 games on the road.
- Chicago are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games.
Previous Matchups:
- None this season
Preview:
The Buffalo Sabres have seemed to find their groove as of late going 5-3-2 in their last 10. They’ve collected at least one point in each of their last 5 games. They’re coming off a hard fought game last night where they lost to the New York Rangers 5-4 in OT.
Chicago has also been playing slightly better in their most recent games, collecting at least one point in their last 3. In their most recent game, which was on Saturday, they lost 5-4 to the Vegas Golden Knights in OT.
This will be the first meeting between these two teams since this season, so we don’t really have much information on how they’ll match up. The opening line was set at -155 favoring the Blackhawks and has jumped to -175. The Sabres aren’t good when playing games on back to back days going 2-6-4. However, as I mentioned before, they seem to be finally clicking as a team so I don’t want to put too much emphasis on that.
As of late the Buffalo has trending below their season average in terms of Goals For averaging 2.40 in their last 10. The Sabres have scored 3 or more goals in their last 4 for a more recent sample size. They’ve been better defensively only giving up an average of 3.10 goals against compared to their season average of 3.48.
Chicago on the other hand has found a spark up front averaging 3.70 goals for in their last 10. When looking at their season average of 2.65 goals for per game, they’re playing much better. This isn’t due to their shots on goal as that number has remained constant but, rather their shooting percentage which is 4% higher than their season average. Defensively, Chicago has been slightly worse as of late giving up an average of 3.70 goals against. The Blackhawks have given up three or more goals in three of their last four games with the only outlier being Anaheim who scored twice.
Dustin Tokarski will get the start for the Sabres tonight as Craig Anderson started last night. Tokarki has a -3.6 GSAx on the season with a 3.07 GAA and a .907 SV%. Kevin Lankinen will start for Chicago tonight who has a -18.4 GSAx on the year with a 3.50 GAA and a .889 SV%.
Pick:
- BUFFALO SABRES/ CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS OVER 6.0 (-105) – POINTSBET
Starting with the goalie matchup, I like this game to be a high scoring affair. Lankinen ranks 2nd last in the NHL in terms of Goals Saved Above Expected. Tokarski also has a negative GSAx on the year. The Blackhawks are scoring above their season average and are also allowing more than their season average. As I mentioned before, the Sabres have been much better up front in their last 4 and rank 26th in terms of goals against on the year. Given the total being set at 6, I like us to have the opportunity for a possible push. Neither team has a shot at the playoffs so they should be playing more loosely with essentially nothing to lose.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting.
