New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction: Will There Be a Defensive Stand-Off?
New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction: Will There Be a Defensive Stand-Off?
Two of the NHL's worst defensive teams, the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, face off tonight in what should be a fun game for the offences. Both of these teams are in the bottom 10 of the league in goals allowed and both are rested. The Sabres are coming off a home and home sweep of the Flyers, winning 4-3, at home, and 5-3, on the road, over the weekend in Philly. The Devils are home after a 5 game road trip that saw them go 3-1-1, including a 3-2 win at Vegas to finish the trip. Despite being out of the playoff picture since November, both teams have continued to play hard.Â
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New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction
On the road this season, where Overs are 17-18, the Sabres are averaging 2.64 goals per game and their Power Play is 14th, at 20%. They are allowing 3.64 goals per game on the road (7th most) and their Penalty Kill is middle of the pack, at 77%. Five on Five, on the road, the Sabres are 24th in goal scoring and 29th in goals against. Overall, Buffalo has been on an Overrun as of late as the Over of 6.5 is 12-3 in their last 15 games. At home this season, where Overs are 18-17, the Devils are averaging 316 goals per game and their Power Play is 17th, at 21.8%. They are allowing 3.35 goals per game, at home, and their Penalty Kill is 81.1%, which is 15th. Five on Five, at home, the Devils are 18th in goal scoring, I've documented, many times, that New Jersey struggles defensively in Five on Five situations. The Devils have allowed the third most Five on Five goals in the league and the sixth most at home. Goaltending has also been a major issue for these teams as the Sabres have a team Save Percentage of .894 and New Jersey have a team Save Percentage of .883. Typically, when you have games between 2 teams that are not in playoff contention, you get more of a wide-open, pond hockey type of game. I think we will see that tonight and I expect both teams to light the lamp often.
New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres Pick
New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres Over 6.5 -125 (Bet $125 to Win $100)
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Article Author
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.