The Vancouver Canucks (28-11-3) travel to face off against the Buffalo Sabres (18-20-4) on Saturday, January 13th. 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 4:00 ET.
Vancouver Canucks vs Buffalo Sabres
The Vancouver Canucks Are Coming Off A Win
When playing on the road this season, the Vancouver Canucks have gone 14-7-2 and are currently on a four-game winning streak away from home. Over their last ten games, the Canucks have gone 7-3 and have won each of their last four games. In the Western Conference standings, Vancouver is in second place and first in the Pacific Division.
Overall this season, the Canucks have gone 28-11-3 and have been favored in 23 of their 42 games. Against other teams in the Western Conference, Vancouver has gone 16-8, and they have gone 9-4 against other teams in the Pacific Division. Over their last three games, the Canucks have gone 3-0.
On the road this season, the Canucks have a puck line record of 16-7 and an average scoring margin of +.9 goals per game. In their last ten road games, Vancouver’s puck line record is 8-2.
So far, the Canucks have 21 wins by multiple goals compared to just six losses by multiple goals. Vancouver enters this game with a four-game puck line win streak and a puck line record of 30-12.
The Canucks recently played against the Penguins and secured a win with a score of 4-3. In the first period, the Canucks found success on offense with three times, but that was the end of their scoring for the game. Of Vancouver’s four goals, one were scored while in power play situations. Their game ended with 29 shots on goal and five giveaways.
Entering the game as the underdog, Vancouver came away with a victory against the puck line. The teams surpassed the over/under line, which was set at 6.5 goals, with a combined total of 7 goals.
The Buffalo Sabres Are Coming Off A Win
At home this year, the Sabres have gone 9-10-1, and in the Eastern Conference, they are 13-17. Overall, Buffalo is 18-20-4, and in the Atlantic Division, they are in 7th place. Over their last ten games, the Sabres have gone 5-5, and they have won two of their last three games.
Heading into tonight’s game, Buffalo is in 14th place in the Eastern Conference with 40 points. As the underdog in 27 of their 42 games, the Sabres have gone 10-14-3. Against other Eastern Conference teams, Buffalo has gone 7-6.
Buffalo enters the game with a puck line record of 21-21 and has gone 5-5 against the puck line in their last 10 games. So far this season, the Sabres have had 13 wins by multiple goals and 15 losses by multiple goals.
As the underdog, Buffalo has gone 17-10 against the puck line and has an average scoring margin of -0.5 goals per game in those games. In their last 10 games at home, the Sabres have gone just 3-7 against the puck line.
In their last game, the Sabres were the hosts against the Senators, and they came away with a 5-3 win. The Sabres’ offense scored in each period against the Senators. Of Buffalo’s five goals, one were scored while in power play situations. Their game ended with 32 shots on goal and six giveaways.
Buffalo came in as the favorites with a -1.5 goal advantage and, as a result, recorded a win against the puck line. The teams surpassed the over/under line, which was set at 7 goals, with a combined total of 8 goals.
Vancouver Offense Breakdown
On offense, the Canucks are averaging 3.9 goals per game which is 1st in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 27th in the league. This season, the Canucks have a 13-5 record in games where they outshoot their opponent. In games with fewer shots on goal, they hold a 14-6 record.
The Canucks’ over/under record this season is 26-14-2. For the season, they have had 14 games failing to surpass this game’s over/under line of 7. Overall, their games are averaging 6.5 goals per game.
Buffalo Offense Breakdown
On offense, the Sabres are averaging 3 goals per game which is 17th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 8th in the league. Looking at how the Sabres’ offense is performing during power plays, they are 28th in power play goals and 19th in shorthanded goals.
The Sabres come in with an over/under record of 19-22-1. Over the course of the season, they have had 23 games failing to surpass the 7 goal over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is at 6.4 per game.
Vancouver Team Defense
Vancouver defense takes on the Sabres ranked 10th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 30.1 shots per game against Vancouver. They also are 3rd in shutouts, with 4 shutouts.
Buffalo Team Defense
In terms of defense, the Sabres head into the game ranked 19th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 29.5 shots per game against Buffalo. So far, they are 27th in shutouts, achieving 1 shutouts.
Canucks vs Sabres Trends
- Across the Canucks last ten road games, the team averaged 3 goals per game while allowing 2. Their record vs the puck line in these contests was 8-2, while going 7-3 straight-up.
- In their last three games at home, the Sabres have a straight up record of 2-1 while going 1-2 vs the spread. The team averaged 3 goals per game in this stretch.
- In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Sabres have a straight up record of 2-3 and an puck line mark of 3-2.
- Vancouver 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.
Canucks vs Sabres Prediction
When it comes to a moneyline wager, I’m going with the Sabres to defeat the Canucks while playing at home. Given the current moneyline odds at +128, I’m placing a wager on the Sabres to win outright.
Our projections have the Sabres pulling out a win as the underdog. But if you’re not as bullish as we are on the Sabres, we’d recommend at least getting a bet down on them to cover the puck line.
When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 7 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:January 13, 2024 Canucks, Sabres, Uncategorized