The Florida Panthers (34-15-4) travel to face off against the Buffalo Sabres (23-25-4) on Thursday, February 15th. This game will be played at KeyBank Center in Buffalo and televised on ESPN+. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.
Panthers vs Sabres
The Florida Panthers Are Coming Off A Win
Florida comes into this game with a record of 34-15-4, which puts them in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference and 2nd in the Atlantic Division. On the road this season, the Panthers are 18-7-2, and they have won their last nine games away from home. Over their last ten games, Florida has gone 7-3, and they have won three straight games.
When favored this season, the Panthers have gone 29-12-2, and they have won three straight games as the favorite. Against Eastern Conference opponents, Florida has gone 17-7, and they have won four of their last five games.
Florida enters this game with an average scoring margin of +.7 goals per game. Their puck line record for the season is 26-27, and they have 22 wins by multiple goals.
So far, the Panthers have been the favorite in 43 games, and their puck line record as the favorite is 18-25. Their average scoring margin on the road is +1.0 goals per game, and their road puck line record is 16-11.
Facing the Penguins in their last game, the Panthers won by a score of 5-2. Offensively, the Panthers couldn’t break through in the first period, but they scored four times in the second period and one goal in the third. Out of Florida’s five goals, one were scored during power plays. They concluded the game with 23 shots on goal and had one giveaways.
Coming into the game favored by -1.5, Florida also managed to pick up a victory against the puck line. With a combined total of 7 goals, the teams exceeded the over/under line of 6 goals set for the game.
The Buffalo Sabres Are Coming Off A Win
Buffalo comes into today’s game with a record of 23-25-4, which puts them in 7th place in the Atlantic Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference. Over their last ten games, the Sabres have gone 5-5, and they are 12-14-1 at home this season.
So far this year, Buffalo has been the underdog in 32 of their 52 games, and they have gone 12-17-3 in those games. Against other teams from the Eastern Conference, the Sabres have gone 13-18.
Buffalo comes into this game with a puck line record of 28-24 and an average scoring margin of -.1 goals per game. So far, they have had 18 wins by multiple goals and 18 losses by multiple goals.
As the underdog, the Sabres have a puck line record of 21-11, including covering the puck line in three straight games. In their last ten games at home, Buffalo has gone 6-4 against the puck line.
In their most recent game, the Sabres hosted the Kings and secured a 7-0 victory. In every single period, the Sabres’ offense scored a goal against the Kings. Buffalo’s one power-play goals contributed to their total of 7 goals. Their offensive performance came with 24 shots on goal and six giveaways.
Buffalo was the underdog going into the game and picked up a win against the puck line. The teams surpassed the over/under line, which was set at 6 goals, with a combined total of 7 goals.
Florida Offense Breakdown
For their offensive performance, the Panthers come in averaging 3.2 goals per game this season, which is 11th in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 1st in the league. Florida’s offense is currently ranked 5th in power play goals. When it comes to shorthanded goals, they are 19th in the league.
The Panthers’ over/under record this season is 19-32-2. For the season, they have had 34 games failing to surpass this game’s over/under line of 6.5. Overall, their games are averaging 5.8 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 14th in the league. This season, the Sabres are 15-16 when getting more shots on goal than their opponents. And in games with fewer shots on goal, they have a 8-9 record.
The Sabres’ over/under record this season is 22-28-2. For the season, they have had 30 games failing to surpass this game’s over/under line of 6.5. Overall, their games are averaging 6.1 goals per game.
Florida Team Defense
The Panthers defense is currently 29th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 27.1 shots per game against Florida. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 16th with 3 shutouts.
Buffalo Team Defense
In terms of defense, the Sabres head into the game ranked 24th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 29.1 shots per game against Buffalo. So far, they are 7th in shutouts, achieving 4 shutouts.
Panthers vs Sabres Trends
- Across the Panthers last ten road games, the team averaged 4 goals per game while allowing 1. Their record vs the puck line in these contests was 6-4, while going 9-1 straight-up.
- In their last five home games, Buffalo has averaged 2 goals per game while allowing 1. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-3 while going 3-2.
- Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Sabres have a straight up record of 4-6. But, their mark vs the puck line was just 7-3.
- As the betting favorite, the Panthers have an puck line record of 3-2 in their last five games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 4-1.
Panthers vs Sabres Prediction
For a moneyline bet, I’m backing the Sabres to secure a victory over the Panthers at home. With the moneyline currently set at +122, I’m locking in my bet on the Sabres straight-up.
If you’re looking to get a bet down on this matchup, we foresee the Sabres winning the underdog. However, if you’re not as confident in the Sabres straight-up, we’d still recommend placing a bet on them to cover the puck line.
For those looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet 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.
Last updated:February 15, 2024 Panthers, Sabres