In this article we will formulate a Sabres vs Penguins prediction for this NHL game on Friday, January 17th at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview

The Buffalo Sabres are 17-22-5 this year after they defeated Carolina by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Buffalo saw their lead go from 3-0 to 3-2, but they were able to score late in the third to pull away in the win. The Sabres were out shot by a total of 37-24, won 50% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Buffalo got goals from Cozens and McLeod (3), while UPL stopped 35 out of 37 shots in the win. 

Prior to that victory, the Sabres lost to the Kraken by a score of 6-2, but did beat the Senators by a score of 4-0 before that. Buffalo has won three of their last four games and they are currently last in the Atlantic standings with 39 points. Buffalo has scored 3.05 goals per game and they have allowed 3.34 goals against per game, while also going 17.6% on the power play and 78.8% on the penalty kill this season. Tage Thompson has led Buffalo with 19 goals, 16 assists, and 117 shots on goal, while Jason Zucker has added 15 goals, 18 assists, and 79 shots on goal. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is 14-13-4 with a 2.99 goals against average and an .898 save percentage this year. 

Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins are 18-20-8 this season after they lost to Seattle by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Pittsburgh led 2-1 in the third period, but they allowed the last three goals in the game for the loss. The Penguins out shot Seattle by a total of 33-18, won 63.5% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh got goals from Rust and Tomasino, while Jarry stopped 14 out of 17 shots in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Penguins lost to the Lightning by a score of 5-2 and the Senators by a score of 5-0. Pittsburgh has lost three games in a row and seven of their last eight, and they are currently in the bottom third of the Metro standings with 44 points. Pittsburgh has scored 2.96 goals per game and they have allowed 3.67 goals against per game, while also going 25.6% on the power play and 79.2% on the penalty kill this season. Sidney Crosby has led Pittsburgh with 12 goals, 36 assists, and 134 shots on goal, while Rickard Rakell has added 22 goals, 16 assists, and 117 shots on goal. Alex Nedeljkovic is 7-7-4 with a 3.40 goals against average and an .886 save percentage this year. 

Why the Sabres will beat the Penguins

• The Penguins have lost each of their last six games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Sabres have won each of their last four night games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last four games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four night games at KeyBank Center.
• The favorites have won the second period in each of the Penguins’ last six games.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Penguins’ last 10 Friday games as underdogs have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Each of the Sabres’ last six games as home favorites against opponents on a losing streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Sabres’ last eight games as favorites against opponents on a losing streak.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last eight night games at KeyBank Center.

Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts

• Tage Thompson has recorded at least one point in each of the Sabres’ last eight games against Metropolitan Division opponents at KeyBank Center.
• Tage Thompson has recorded at least one assist in each of the Sabres’ last five games as home favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Tage Thompson has scored at least one goal in three of the Sabres’ last four games as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.

Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts

• Kris Letang has scored a goal in four of his last five road appearances against Atlantic Division opponents.
• Evgeni Malkin has recorded at least one point in 22 of his last 24 appearances against the Sabres.
• Evgeni Malkin has recorded at least one assist in 10 of his last 11 road appearances against the Sabres after playing less than 20 minutes in the Penguins’ last game.

Sabres vs Penguins Prediction 

Buffalo comes into this matchup after winning three of their last four games and they will be at home for this game. The Sabres are 9-11-3 at home this year, while the Penguins are 6-10-5 on the road. Pittsburgh has lost three games in a row and they have really struggled over the last few weeks. The Penguins have scored two goals or fewer in three straight games and their defense is allowing 3.67 goals against per game this season. Buffalo also has some ugly defensive numbers on the season, but they have been better in recent games. I can’t trust this Pittsburgh offense right now and I definitely can’t trust their defense, so give me the Sabres in this contest.