The Buffalo Sabres (15-18-4) travel to face off against the Ottawa Senators (13-18-0) on Sunday, December 31st. This game will be played at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. The Sabres are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Senators are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Devils. Puck drop is set for 6:00 ET.

Buffalo Sabres vs Ottawa Senators

The Buffalo Sabres Are Coming Off A Win

This season, the Sabres have put together an overall record of 15-18-4. When playing on the road, Buffalo has gone 7-9-3, while their home record stands at 8-9-1. At the moment, they hold the 7th spot in the Eastern Atlantic division and are ranked 14th in the Eastern conference. Buffalo’s average scoring margin for the season is -0.5, resulting in an overall puck line record of 18-19. When playing at home their scoring margin is -0.4, whereas in away games, they are at -0.5.

In their recent matchup, the Sabres hosted the Blue Jackets and came away with a 3-2 victory. During the first period, the Sabres started slow, but they turned things around by scoring one time in the second period and one goal in the third. In the game, Buffalo managed to score all three goals at even strength. They concluded with 42 shots on goal and committed 6 turnovers.

Despite the straight-up win, Buffalo did not cover the puck line, as they were favored by -1.5. The game finished below the over/under line of 7 with a combined total of 5 goals.

The Ottawa Senators Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

So far this season, the Senators have an overall record of 13-18-0. On the road, Ottawa is 4-8-0 and 9-10-0 at home. This record has them sitting 8th in the Eastern Atlantic division and 16th in the Eastern conference. Ottawa’s average scoring difference this season sits at -0.2, which has contributed to their overall puck line record of 14-17. When playing at home, they have a scoring margin of -0.2, and on the road, it is -0.2.

Coming off a 6-2 loss at home to the Devils, the Senators are hoping to bounce back today. The Senators scored one goal in the first period against the Devils and found the net one time in the 3rd period. In the game, Ottawa managed to score all two goals at even strength. They concluded with 27 shots on goal and committed 19 turnovers.

Coming in as the underdog, Ottawa not only lost straight-up but also failed to cover the puck line. The combined total of 8 goals exceeded the over/under line, which was set at 7 goals for the game.

Buffalo Offense Breakdown

On the offensive side, the Sabres are scoring an 3 goals per game this season, ranking 16th in the NHL. When it came to shots on target per game, they are 6th in the league. Coming into the game, the Sabres have 10-10 record when they have more shots on goal than their opponent. When they have fewer shots on goal, they are 5-8.

This season, the Sabres’ have an over/under record of 16-20-1. Throughout the season, they have played 21 games that did not exceed the 7 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 6.4 goals per game.

Ottawa Offense Breakdown

For their offensive performance, the Senators come in averaging 3.4 goals per game this season, which is 21st in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 28th in the league. Ottawa’s offense is currently ranked 21st in power play goals. When it comes to shorthanded goals, they are 23rd in the league.

This season, the Senators have an over/under record of 17-11-3. Throughout the season, they have played 12 games that went over the 7 over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is 7 per game.

Buffalo Team Defense

The Sabres defense is currently 17th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 29.2 shots per game against Buffalo. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 26th with 1 shutouts.

Ottawa Team Defense

Defensively, the Senators come into the season ranked 29th in goals allowed. Opponents are averging 30.7 shots per game against Ottawa. For the season, they are ranked 22nd in shutouts, coming in with 1 shutouts.

Sabres vs Senators Trends

• When looking at their past three road matchups, Buffalo has an puck line record of 2-1 while averaging 2 per game. The team went 1-2 overall in these games.
• When looking at their past five home matchups, Ottawa has an puck line record of 2-3 while averaging 3 per game. The team went 1-4 overall in these games.
• Going back to their previous three games as the underdog, Ottawa has an puck line mark of 1-2 while going 1-2 straight up.
• The last three games that Buffalo was favored, they have an puck line mark of 0-3 while going 1-2 straight up.

Sabres vs Senators Prediction

When it comes to a moneyline wager, I’m going with the Senators to defeat the Sabres while playing at home. Given the current moneyline odds at -154, I’m placing a wager on the Senators to win outright.

When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Sabres to cover. Even in the event of a Senators victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Sabres should cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 7 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.