Ottawa Senators vs. Buffalo Sabres: Picks, predictions, odds and player props

Robert Munnich Updated: Mar 27 2024 14:11

We’re kicking Wednesday Night Hockey off with a bang! Ottawa is in Buffalo to take on the Sabres.

These two teams have essentially been mirror images of each other all season long. Both have talented young players littered throughout their lineups, but for some reason have not been able to put it all together and win enough games to be considered a threat for the playoffs.

Both teams are 5-4-1 over the past 10 games. In their last 10 head-to-head matchups, each team is 5-5. Because they’re so similar, we’re going to need to find some numbers to separate the two teams for our picks.

Ottawa Senators vs. Buffalo Sabres prediction

The first thing that stands out is the Senators record on the road. Ottawa is 11-20-2 in opposing rinks this season. The only teams who have a worse road record are Chicago and San Jose. Buffalo is 5-1 in their last six games at home and are 6-2 at home against the Senators in their last eight head-to-head matchups at Key Bank Center.

Goaltending could play a pivotal role in this game. The Sabres are getting elite level goaltending from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Since February 1st, UPL has put up a .198 save percentage and a 2.34 goals against average. On the other hand, you have Jonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg. Both have save percentages below .900 and a goals against average above 3.20. The Sens give up the 5th most goals against in the NHL.

This feels like a game the Sabres should win and win by multiple goals.