Mar 28, 9:35am | 6 min read

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Buffalo Sabres Prediction: Expect an Open Offensive Contest

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The Chicago Blackhawks host the Buffalo Sabres tonight, in a meeting of two non-playoff teams. TonesTakes gives his prediction for this Monday night matchup.

ANALYSIS

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Buffalo Sabres Prediction: Expect an Open Offensive Contest

Blackhawks vs. Sabres Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

Date: Monday, March 28

Game Time: 8:30 pm ET

Where to Watch: ESPN+

Puck Line: Blackhawks -1 (+130)

Click Here for Blackhawks vs Sabres Odds

Blackhawks vs. Sabres Over/Under Movement

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Buffalo Sabres Prediction

Buffalo has had yet another tough season, but after finally moving on from Jack Eichel, the Sabres can begin to build for the future. Youngsters Like Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens have taken big steps this season. After scoring a total of 21 goals over the two previous seasons, Veteran Jeff Skinner has had a resurgence as he has tallied 27 times this season. The Blackhawks, expectantly, traded Marc-Andre Fleury at the deadline. Fleury had a very solid season for them and covered up many of their deficiencies on the defensive end. Even with the questionable trade of youngster Brandon Hagel, the Hawks still have a decent offensive core, highlighted by Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat who is having an exceptional year. "The Cat" leads the team with 37 goals this season.

The Sabres are coming off a hard fought 5-4 loss to the Rangers yesterday, in New York. Buffalo's offense has been hot lately as they have scored 14 goals over their last 4 games. The Sabres are only averaging 2.45 goals per game on the road this season, but they are allowing 3.58. Buffalo has a bottom 10 road Power Play and a decent Penalty Kill, which is ranked 14th on the road. In Five on Five situations, the Sabres have allowed 6th most goals on the road and the 8th most high danger scoring chances.

The Blackhawks have been playing some wide open hockey lately. They have scored exactly 4 goals in each of their last 4 games, but they have also given up 16 goals during that span. They are coming off a 3rd period meltdown against Vegas on Saturday. Chicago blew a 3-0 third period lead, en route to a 5-4 overtime loss. The Hawks are averaging 2.59 goals per game at home this season, while allowing 3.32. Their home Power Play is bottom and their home Penalty kill is 6th worst in the league. The Blackhawks have allowed the 11th most Five on Five goals on home ice but the 7th least high danger scoring chances.

Overall, these teams have had long stretches where their offense has struggled. With both teams looking to the future and going with younger players, the offense should come to the forefront, which has been evidenced by these teams' performances since the trade deadline. I think we see a decent amount of goals tonight and like this number at 5.5.

NHL

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Tone has been handicapping the four major sports for over twenty years. An NHL enthusiast, Tone’s expertise lies on the ice. He’s excelled and profited finding the right angles on NHL games, particularly with player props, game props, and game totals. A contributor to several gaming sites, you can follow him on Twitter @TonesTakes.

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