The NHL continues to roll with an action packed Saturday Slate. The biggest game of the day is probably the Colorado Avalanche taking on the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, we have a Eastern Conference matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils that caught my eye.
| Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total | |
| Buffalo Sabres | +127 | +150 | -1.5 (-175) | o6.5 (+100) |
| New Jersey Devils | -156 | -175 | +1.5 (+129) | u6.5 (-120) |
The Buffalo Sabres started this season a red hot 3-0, before losing to the Boston Bruins last night by a score of 4-1. In that game, the Sabres had plenty of chances but, could not find the back of the net. Craig Anderson, who had played well for them in his first three starts, had his worst outing finishing the game with a -0.69 GSAx. This team looks completely revitalized under Don Granato but, will face their first back to back game of the season. I doubt Anderson will start tonight, so it looks as though Dustin Tokarski will get the start in net. Tokarski only started one game this year where he faced the Arizona Coyotes finishing the game with a 0.92 GAA and a 0.02 GSAx. In addition to Buffalo’s first back to back game, this will be their first away game.
The New Jersey Devils are coming off a 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Thursday. Scott Wedgewood will mostly get the nod tomorrow, as Jonathan Bernier is questionable. Wedgewood has a -0.7 GSAx from his lone start this season. Jack Hughes is out for Devils tomorrow, but they may get Ty Smith back as has been upgraded to probable.
PICK: BUFFALO SABRES +150
The Sabres enter this game with a xGoals of 63.43% while the Devils have an xGoals % of 54.55%. Losing Jack Hughes will certainly not help that percentage either. The Sabres will also have the goalie advantage here if Tokarski and Wedgewood go. Overall, the Sabres have a better Corsi % and Fenwick % so at + odds, they have some value here.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting.
