The Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils meet Saturday in NHL action from the O2 Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Buffalo Sabres vs. New Jersey Devils prediction.

Buffalo Sabres Recap

The Buffalo Sabres come into this game looking to get some revenge and even their record after falling flat against New Jersey in the season opener thanks to a 4-1 loss. After this game, the Sabres will head home for their true home opener against the Los Angeles Kings next week.

Power Leads Charge For Sabres In Loss

Owen Power scored the lone tally of the game for the Sabres early in the third period, but by that point it was far too late as the three-goal lead for New Jersey was restored later in the period. Bowen Byram and JJ Peterka also had assists on the lone Sabre goal of the game. Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen took the loss after allowing 3 goals on 22 shots faced in the losing effort.

Why the Buffalo Sabres will win

• The Devils have lost each of their last six day games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Sabres have won four of their last five games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Devils have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last eight day games.
• The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games against the Devils following a loss.

New Jersey Devils Recap

The New Jersey Devils come into this one looking to sweep the Europe series after their victory over the Sabres on Friday. After this game, the Devils will head home for their true home opener as well when the Toronto Maple Leafs come to town.

Devils Pounce On Sabres In Opener

The win for New Jersey saw four different goalscorers in the victory, with Stefan Noesen opening the scoring just before the midway point of the first period before Johnathan Kovacevic doubled the lead with less than five minutes to go. Nico Hischier logged the lone goal of the second period and Paul Cotter had an empty-netter with less than three minutes to go to seal the deal for the Devils. Nathan Bastian added a pair of assists while Cotter and Kovacevic each had assists to go along with their goals. Jonas Siegenthaler and Dawson Mercer each had assists as well in the win. Jacob Markstrom got the win in his Devils debut after stopping 30 of the 31 shots faced in the winning effort.

Why the New Jersey Devils will win

• The Sabres have lost nine of their last 10 games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Devils have won four of their last five games against the Sabres.
• The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five day games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Devils have covered the puck line in each of their last three games on the second leg of a back-to-back.

Sabres vs. Devils Prediction

I think I’m rolling with the Sabres again. It wasn’t a good look in game one, but Luukkonen looked every bit the part of the goalie that was expected to lead the charge for Buffalo last year that eventually made way for Devon Levi who I expect to get the nod in goal here. Jake Allen’s likely starting between the pipes for the Devils and he was shaky last year to put it nicely. I think that the Sabres get the win in this one so give me Buffalo.