The Chicago Blackhawks (13-29-2) travel to face off against the Buffalo Sabres (19-21-4) on Wednesday, January 17th. This game will be played at KeyBank Center in Buffalo and televised on TNT. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 7:30 ET.

Blackhawks vs Sabres

The Chicago Blackhawks Are Coming Off A Win

On the season, the Blackhawks have struggled mightily, posting a record of 13-29-2, which has them in 8th place in the Central Division and 15th in the Western Conference. In their last ten games, Chicago has just two wins and has gone 2-8 over that stretch.

When playing on the road this season, the Blackhawks are just 4-18-1 and have lost five straight games away from home. As the underdog, Chicago has gone 12-28-2 this season and has dropped three straight games when not favored.

Chicago enters the game with a puck line record of 20-24 and an average scoring margin of -1.4 goals per game. So far, they have lost 23 games by more than one goal.

On the road, the Blackhawks have a puck line record of 8-15 and an average scoring margin of -2.2 goals per game. Across their last ten road games, their puck line record is just 2-8.

In their most recent game, the Blackhawks hosted the Sharks and secured a 2-1 victory. In the first period, the Blackhawks found success on offense with one time, but that was the end of their scoring for the game. Chicago’s one power-play goals contributed to their total of 2 goals. Their offensive performance came with 25 shots on goal and eight giveaways.

Chicago’s straight-up victory didn’t translate to covering the puck line in the game, despite being favored by -1.5. Combining for 3 goals, the game finished below the over/under line of 5.5.

The Buffalo Sabres Are Coming Off A Win

Buffalo enters the game with an overall record of 19-21-4, which puts them in 7th place in the Atlantic Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference. At home, the Sabres are 10-11-1 for the season.

In their last ten games, Buffalo has gone 5-5, and they have won two straight games as the favorite. For the year, the Sabres have been favored in 16 of their 44 games and have gone 9-6-1 in those games.

Buffalo enters this game with an overall puck line record of 23-21, including going 6-4 against the puck line in their last ten games. When playing at home, the Sabres have gone just 9-13 against the puck line this season.

So far this season, Buffalo has 14 wins by multiple goals and has gone 5-11 against the puck line when favored. Against the puck line in their last ten home games, the team is 5-5.

In their last game, the Sabres were the hosts against the Sharks, and they came away with a 3-0 win. On offense, the Sabres were held scoreless in the first period, but found the net two times in the second period and ended with one goal in the third. Of Buffalo’s three goals, one were scored while in power play situations. Their game ended with 35 shots on goal and two giveaways.

Coming into the game favored by -1.5, Buffalo also managed to pick up a victory against the puck line. With a combined total of 3 goals, the game concluded below the over/under line of 6.5.

Chicago Offense Breakdown

On the offensive side, the Blackhawks are scoring an 2.2 goals per game this season, ranking 30th in the NHL. When it came to shots on target per game, they are 31st in the league. So far this year, the Blackhawks are 1-8 in games they have had more shots on goal than their opponent. They are 12-19 in games with fewer shots on goal.

The Blackhawks’ over/under record this season is 17-25-2. For the season, they have had 19 games failing to surpass this game’s over/under line of 6. Overall, their games are averaging 5.9 goals per game.

Sabres Offense Breakdown

On the offensive side, the Sabres are scoring an 3 goals per game this season, ranking 20th in the NHL. When it came to shots on target per game, they are 11th in the league. Buffalo’s offense comes into the game ranked 29th in power play goals. And in terms of shorthanded goals, they are 19th in the NHL.

This season, the Sabres’ have an over/under record of 19-24-1. Throughout the season, they have played 20 games that did not exceed the 6 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 6.2 goals per game.

Chicago Team Defense

Chicago defense takes on the Sabres ranked 6th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 32.4 shots per game against Chicago. They also are 25th in shutouts, with 1 shutouts.

Buffalo Team Defense

Defensively, the Sabres come into the season ranked 23rd in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 29.3 shots per game against Buffalo. For the season, they are ranked 19th in shutouts, coming in with 2 shutouts.

Blackhawks vs Sabres Trends

• Although Chicago has a straight up record of 0-10 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the puck line going 2-8. The team averaged 1 goals per game in these games.
• Through their last ten home contests, the Sabres offense has averaged 3 goals per game while allowing an average of 3. Buffalo posted an overall record of 5-5 while going 5-5 ATS.
• Spanning across their last five games as the betting underdog, the Sabres have gone 3-2 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-4.
• As the betting favorite, the Blackhawks have an puck line mark of just 0-3 in their last three games. Chicago posted a straight up mark of 1-2 in these matchups.

Blackhawks vs Sabres Prediction

If you’re interested in a pure moneyline wager, then the Sabres is the preferred option. However, with a payout of -278, it might be worth considering this bet as a component of a larger parlay.

For my recommended choice in the puck line, I’m leaning towards the Blackhawks to cover. Even if the Sabres secure a straight-up win, this game is expected to be tightly contested, and the Blackhawks should cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.