The Buffalo Sabres (14-21-5) travel to face off against the Vegas Golden Knights (26-9-3) on Saturday, January 4th. This game will be played at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and televised on ESPN+. The Golden Knights are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Sabres are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Red Wings. Puck drop is set for 10:00 ET.

Sabres vs Golden Knights

The Buffalo Sabres Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Buffalo fell to 14-21-5 after a 2-1 loss to the Red Wings. The Sabres led 1-0 after the first period, but Detroit responded with two goals in the second. Buffalo was the underdog on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, with the combined 3 goals falling short of that mark.

Alex Tuch scored the Sabres’ only goal, a short-handed effort at 11:39 in the first period. The Red Wings tied it up at 7:49 in the second period and took the lead later in the same frame. Buffalo had 32 shots on goal but failed to convert any of their power-play opportunities.

The Vegas Golden Knights Are Coming Off A Win

Vegas improved to 26-9-3 with a 4-3 overtime win against Utah. The Golden Knights, favored by -1.5 goals, didn’t cover the puck line. The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 7 goals surpassed that mark.

Utah took a 2-0 lead before Vegas rallied with four different players scoring. Brett Howden netted the game-winner at 2:15 in overtime.

Buffalo Offense Breakdown

Buffalo managed 32 shots on goal in their 2-1 loss to Detroit, but only found the net once. Alex Tuch scored his fifth goal of the season, coming 8:21 into the first period on a shorthanded play.

The Sabres had 13 giveaways and were unable to capitalize on any power play opportunities. Tuch took 5 shots on goal, but his first-period goal was the only time Buffalo scored.

Golden Knights Offense Breakdown

Vegas fired 35 shots on goal in their 4-3 overtime win against Utah but also had 13 giveaways. Brett Howden netted his 6th goal of the season in overtime, while William Karlsson added his 2nd goal of the year. Pavel Dorofeyev opened the scoring for the Golden Knights, marking his 7th goal of the season, and Noah Hanifin followed with his 2nd.

Hanifin also contributed with two assists, bringing his season total to 5. Mark Stone added to his assist tally, now at 15 for the year. Vegas was held scoreless in the first period before finding the net twice in the second.

Buffalo Team Defense

Buffalo’s defense will look to bounce back after giving up two second-period goals to the Red Wings, both on the power play. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, while the Sabres’ defense had 5 takeaways and 17 hits.

Vegas Team Defense

Defensively, the Golden Knights will look to improve after giving up the first two goals against Utah, including one at 8:00 in the second period. They also allowed a late goal at 13:10 in the third, which sent the game to overtime. Adin Hill made 16 saves with a save percentage of 84.2%, while the defense finished with 10 takeaways and 22 hits.

Sabres vs Golden Knights Trends

• Buffalo has a 1-2 record in their last three road games. In this stretch, they averaged 3 goals per game while allowing 4. The team also performed well vs the puck line at 2-1.
• Through their last ten home contests, the Golden Knights offense has averaged 3 goals per game while allowing an average of 2. Vegas posted an overall record of 8-2 while going 8-2 ATS.
• Through their last three games as the underdog, the Golden Knights have an puck line record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 2-1.
• As the betting favorite, the Sabres have an puck line mark of just 2-3 in their last five games. Buffalo posted a straight up mark of 2-3 in these matchups.

Sabres vs Golden Knights Prediction

When it comes to a straight moneyline bet, look no further than the Golden Knights. Nevertheless, given the payout of -191, you could also think about incorporating this bet into a parlay.

For my recommended choice in the puck line, I’m leaning towards the Sabres to cover. Even if the Golden Knights secure a straight-up win, this game is expected to be tightly contested, and the Sabres should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing 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.