The Buffalo Sabres (27-28-4) travel to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning (32-24-5) on Thursday, February 29th. This game will be played at Amalie Arena in Tampa and televised on ESPN+. Both the Sabres and Lightning will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 ET.

Sabres vs Lightning

The Buffalo Sabres Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Buffalo enters the game with an overall record of 27-28-4, putting them in 13th place in the Eastern Conference. In the Atlantic Division, the Sabres are in 6th place, and they have gone 8-9 against division opponents this season. On the road, Buffalo has gone 14-12-3 this season.

As the underdog, the Sabres have gone 14-19-3 this season, and they have lost their last two games when they have been favored. Over their last ten games, Buffalo has gone 5-5, and they have gone 2-1 in their last three games.

Buffalo’s puck line record this year is 31-28, and they have gone 18-11 vs. the puck line on the road. Their average scoring differential on the road is -.1 goals per game. So far, the Sabres have 18 wins by multiple goals and have dropped 19 games by more than one goal.

As the underdog, Buffalo’s puck line record is 24-12, and they have gone 3-0 vs. the puck line in their last three games as the underdog. In their last ten road games, the Sabres have gone 6-4 vs. the puck line.

Following a 3-2 loss on the road to the Panthers, the Sabres are eager to bounce back. In the first period against the Panthers, the Sabres scored one goal, in addition to scoring one time in the 3rd period. Buffalo’s one power-play goals contributed to their total of 2 goals. Their offensive performance came with 30 shots on goal and eight giveaways.

Despite the defeat, Buffalo managed to cover the puck line, going into the game as the underdogs. The game ended below the over/under line of 6, with a combined total of 5 goals.

The Tampa Bay Lightning Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

With 69 points, the Lightning are in 8th place in the Eastern Conference and 5th in the Atlantic Division. In the Eastern Conference, Tampa Bay has gone 16-18, and in divisional games, they have a record of 6-10.

At home this season, the Lightning have gone 18-8-3, and they have lost their last three games at home. As the favorite, Tampa Bay has gone 22-12-1 this year, and over their last ten games, they have a record of 5-5.

So far this season, Tampa Bay has an average scoring margin of .7 goals per game. They have gone 31-30 against the puck line, including 23 wins by multiple goals.

Overall, the Lightning have gone 17-12 against the puck line at home, but they have dropped their last three games at home vs. the puck line. In their last 10 home games, Tampa Bay has gone 6-4 against the puck line.

In their most recent game, the Lightning fell to the Flyers on the road by a score of 6-2. In the opening period, the Lightning couldn’t find the net on offense, but they rebounded with one time in the second period and one goal in the third. All two goals came at even strength. They finished with 22 shots on goal and had 9 turnovers.

Tampa Bay took a loss against the puck line, going into the game as the favorites with a -1.5-point advantage. The over/under line going into the game was 6 goals, which the teams surpassed with their combined 8 goals.

Buffalo Offense Breakdown

For their offensive performance, the Sabres come in averaging 2.9 goals per game this season, which is 21st in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 10th in the league. In terms of power play goals, the Sabres offense is 27th in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they are 19th in the NHL.

This season, the Sabres’ have an over/under record of 23-34-2. Throughout the season, they have played 36 games that did not exceed the 6.5 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 5.9 goals per game.

Lightning Offense Breakdown

Offensively, the Lightning come into the game at 3.4 goals per contest placing 6th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are in 18th position in the league. So far this year, the Lightning are 20-12 in games they have had more shots on goal than their opponent. They are 12-10 in games with fewer shots on goal.

The Lightning’s over/under record this season is 28-29-4. For the season, they have had 31 games failing to surpass this game’s over/under line of 6.5. Overall, their games are averaging 6.8 goals per game.

Buffalo Team Defense

Defensively, the Sabres come into the season ranked 23rd in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 29.1 shots per game against Buffalo. For the season, they are ranked 8th in shutouts, coming in with 4 shutouts.

Tampa Bay Team Defense

Defensively, the Lightning are currently 16th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 29.5 shots per game against Tampa Bay. They also are 15th in shutouts, coming in with 3 shutouts.

Sabres vs Lightning Trends

• 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 4-1 overall in these games.
• When looking at their past five home matchups, Tampa Bay has an puck line record of 2-3 while averaging 3 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Tampa Bay has an puck line mark of 5-5 while going 4-6 straight up.
• Spanning across their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Sabres have gone 4-6 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 6-4.

Sabres vs Lightning Prediction

When making a moneyline pick, my choice is the Lightning to come out with a win against the Sabres while playing at home. Considering the moneyline odds at -164, I’m placing my bet on the Lightning to win outright.

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

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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.