penguins vs sabres nhl prediction
PublishedJanuary 6, 2024,            Posted By: Maria Uebelhor
Last updated:January 6, 2024 , ,

NHL: Buffalo Sabres vs Penguins Prediction 1/6/2024

The Buffalo Sabres (16-19-4) travel to face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins (19-14-4) on Saturday, January 6th. This game will be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Buffalo Sabres vs Pittsburgh Penguins

The Buffalo Sabres Are Coming Off A Win

The Sabres come in with an overall record of 16-19-4. On the road, Buffalo has a 8-10-3 record, whereas they are 8-9-1 at home. They are currently positioned 7th in the Eastern Atlantic division and 14th in the Eastern conference. Buffalo’s average scoring margin this season is -0.4 leading to an overall puck line record of 19-20. Their scoring margin at home is -0.4 and -0.4 on the road.

In their most recent matchup, the Sabres played against the Canadiens and won with a score of 6-1. During the first period, the Sabres started slow, but they turned things around by scoring two times in the second period and four goals in the third. Of Buffalo’s six goals, two came while in power play. They ended the game with 38 shots on goal and had 10 giveaways.

Buffalo also picked up a win against the puck line, coming into the game favored by -1.5. The combined total of 7 goals exceeded the over/under line, which was set at 6.5 goals for the game.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Are Coming Off A Winpittsburgh pengins

For the season, the Penguins currently hold an overall record of 19-14-4. On the road, Pittsburgh has gone 9-7-3 and they are 10-7-1 at home. In the Eastern Metropolitan division, they are currently 6th, and in the Eastern conference, they come into the game sitting 10th. Pittsburgh’s average scoring margin for the season is +.4, resulting in an overall puck line record of 18-19. When playing at home their scoring margin is +.4, whereas in away games, they are at +.3.

Facing the Bruins in their last game, the Penguins won by a score of 6-5. Offensively, the Penguins’ offense scored in each period against the Bruins. Of Pittsburgh’s six goals, one came while in power play. They ended the game with 35 shots on goal and had five giveaways.

Going into the game, Pittsburgh was the underdog, giving them a win vs. the puck line. With a combined total of 11 goals, the teams exceeded the over/under line of 6 goals set for the game.

Buffalo Offense Breakdown

Offensively, the Sabres come into the game at 3 goals per contest placing 18th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are in 8th position in the league. The Buffalo offense is ranked 27th in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they find themselves at 19th in the NHL.

The Sabres come in with an over/under record of 17-21-1. Over the course of the season, they have had 22 games failing to surpass the 6.5 goal over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is at 6.4 per game.

Pittsburgh Offense Breakdown

On offense, the Penguins are averaging 3.1 goals per game which is 21st in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 6th in the league. Looking at how the Penguins’ offense is performing during power plays, they are 25th in power play goals and 22nd in shorthanded goals.

The Penguins’ over/under record this season is 15-19-3. For the season, they have had 21 games failing to surpass this game’s over/under line of 6.5. Overall, their games are averaging 5.9 goals per game.

Buffalo Team Defense

The Sabres defense is currently 19th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 29.4 shots per game against Buffalo. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 26th with 1 shutouts.

Pittsburgh Team Defense

The Penguins defense is currently 17th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 30.4 shots per game against Pittsburgh. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 1st with 5 shutouts.

Sabres vs Penguins Trendsbuffalo sabres

  • When looking at their past five road matchups, Buffalo has an puck line record of 3-2 while averaging 3 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
  • Pittsburgh has played well in their previous five home games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 4 goals per game while allowing 4. The team also performed well vs the puck line at 3-2.
  • As the betting underdog, the Penguins have an puck line record of 3-0 in their last three games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 2-1.
  • Over the team’s last three games as the favorite, the Sabres struggled vs the puck line going just 1-2. However, they still had a straight up mark of 2-1.

Sabres vs Penguins Prediction

If you’re interested in a pure moneyline wager, then the Penguins is the preferred option. However, with a payout of -175, it might be worth considering this bet as a component of a larger parlay.

If you’re looking for a puck line bet, I’d suggest going with the Sabres to cover. Even in the event of a Penguins victory, this game is expected to be closely fought, and the Sabres should cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6.5 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

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

* 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.