The Buffalo Sabres (1-4-1) travel to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks (2-2-1) on Saturday, October 19th. This game will be played at United Center in Chicago and televised on ESPN+. The Blackhawks are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Sabres are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Blue Jackets. Puck drop is set for 8:00 ET.
Sabres vs Blackhawks
The Buffalo Sabres Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Buffalo fell to 1-4-1 after a 6-4 loss to the Blue Jackets. The Sabres entered as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 10 goals went well over the pre-game line of 6.5 goals.
After being shut out in the first period, the Sabres scored their first goal at 9:34 in the second period. Four different players found the net for Buffalo in the game.
The Chicago Blackhawks Are Coming Off A Win
Chicago evened their record at 2-2-1 with a 4-2 win over the Sharks. The Blackhawks covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6 goals matched the pre-game line.
Four different players scored for Chicago, with Taylor Hall opening the scoring at 15:40 in the first period. The Blackhawks extended their lead to 3-0 before the Sharks got on the board.
Buffalo Offense Breakdown
Buffalo’s offense was held scoreless in the first period before Ryan McLeod netted his third goal of the season, followed by Jiri Kulich’s first. Owen Power added his second goal, and JJ Peterka scored his third with just over two minutes remaining in the game.
The Sabres took 24 shots on goal and recorded 13 giveaways. They finished with 6 assists and didn’t score on any power plays.
Blackhawks Offense Breakdown
Chicago’s offense netted four goals in their 4-2 win over the Sharks, with each goal coming from a different player. Tyler Bertuzzi scored his first goal of the season, while Jason Dickinson added his second. Taylor Hall opened the scoring at 15:40 in the first period.
The Blackhawks fired 27 shots on goal and converted twice on the power play. Nick Foligno’s third goal of the season came on a power play, 43 seconds into the second period. Connor Bedard picked up his 5th and 6th assists of the season.
Buffalo Team Defense
Buffalo’s defense struggled in their previous game, allowing the Blue Jackets to score 6 goals on 25 shots. Goalie Devon Levi finished with a 76% save percentage on 19 saves. The Sabres gave up the first two goals of the game and two more in the third period, including one just 15 seconds into the period.
Chicago Team Defense
Defensively, the Blackhawks will look to carry over their last performance, where they allowed just two goals to the Sharks. Petr Mrazek made 20 saves, posting a 90.9% save percentage. The defense also contributed 7 takeaways, 13 hits, and 18 blocks.
Sabres vs Blackhawks Trends
- In their last three games away from home, the Sabres have a straight up record of 0-3 while going 1-2 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 3 goals per game in these contests.
- Across their five previous home games, Chicago has an puck line mark of 2-3. Their straight up record in these matchups was 2-3 while averaging 2 goals per game.
- Looking back on the team’s last three games as the underdog, the Blackhawks have a straight up record of 1-2. Their record vs the puck line in these games was 2-1.
- Buffalo has done well both straight up and vs the puck line when favored to win the game, going 3-2 SU and 3-2 puck line in their last five games.
Sabres vs Blackhawks Prediction
For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Sabres to pick up on a win over the Blackhawks and the road. With the moneyline sitting at -130, I’ll be locking in a bet on the Sabres straight-up.
When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Blackhawks to cover. Even in the event of a Sabres victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Blackhawks should cover the puck line.
When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6 goals, we believe that this game will go over that threshold, and we recommend wagering 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:October 19, 2024 Blackhawks, Sabres