In this article we will formulate a Golden Knights vs Sabres prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, March 17th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Vegas Golden Knights Betting Preview
The Vegas Golden Knights are 31-22-14 this season after they defeated the Blackhawks by a score of 4-0 in their last game. Vegas scored three times in the first period and once in the second in the shutout win. The Golden Knights out shot Chicago by a total of 32-21, won 43.6% of the face-offs, and went 2-5 on the power play in the game. Vegas got goals from Dorofeyev (2), Kolesar, and Andersson, while Hill stopped all 21 shots in the shutout victory.
Prior to that game, Vegas defeated the Penguins by a score of 6-2, but did lose to the Stars by a score of 2-1 before that. The Golden Knights have lost six of their last nine games and they are currently second in the Pacific standings with 76 points. Vegas has scored 3.27 goals per game and they have allowed 3.03 goals against per game, while also going 25.5% on the power play and 82.3% on the penalty kill this season. Jack Eichel has led Vegas with 24 goals and 50 assists, while Mitch Marner has added 19 goals and 50 assists. The projected starting goalie for Vegas is Adin Hill, who is 8-6-3 with a 3.05 goals against average and an .871 save percentage this season.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres are 41-20-6 this year after they defeated the Maple Leafs in a shootout by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Buffalo led 1-0 in the first period, but they needed a goal in the second to tie the game, before getting the win in a shootout. The Sabres out shot Toronto by a total of 33-18, won 47.1% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Buffalo got goals from Quinn and Power, while Lyon stopped 16 out of 18 shots, which was an .889 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Buffalo lost to the Capitals by a score of 2-1, but did beat the Sharks by a score of 6-3 before that. The Sabres have won nine of their last ten games and they are currently first in the Atlantic standings with 88 points. Buffalo has scored 3.45 goals per game and they have allowed 2.99 goals against per game, while also going 20.7% on the power play and 82.9% on the penalty kill this season. Tage Thompson has led Buffalo with 34 goals and 36 assists, while Alex Tuch has added 28 goals and 29 assists. The projected starting goalie for Buffalo is Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who is 15-8-2 with a 2.71 goals against average and a .905 save percentage this year.
Why the Vegas Golden Knights will win
- The home team has won each of the last four games between the Sabres and Golden Knights.
- The favorites have covered the puck line in each of the Golden Knights’ last six games at T-Mobile Arena.
- The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in three of their last four road games following an overtime win.
- The Golden Knights have won the third period in each of their last 10 night games at T-Mobile Arena when trailing after the second period.
Why the Buffalo Sabres will win
- The Sabres have won each of their last eight games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Golden Knights have lost four of their last five games as home favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last 15 games as underdogs.
- The Golden Knights have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last seven home games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Sabres have won the first period in each of their last six games against Pacific Division opponents.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Sabres’ last six games following an overtime win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Golden Knights’ last four home games following a win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Golden Knights’ last 11 games as favorites against the Sabres.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Sabres’ last eight road games against Pacific Division opponents.
Vegas Golden Knights Player Prop Facts
- Jack Eichel has scored at least one goal in each of his last four appearances with the Golden Knights as favorites against the Sabres.
- Mitch Marner has recorded at least one assist in eight of his last nine home appearances against the Sabres.
- Pavel Dorofeyev has recorded at least three shots in each of his last five appearances – equal-longest active streak in the league.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Ryan McLeod has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Sabres’ last eight games against Pacific Division opponents.
- Tage Thompson has scored a goal in seven of the Sabres’ last eight road games against Pacific Division opponents.
- Peyton Krebs has recorded a faceoff win percentage of 83.3% against the Golden Knights this season – most against any opponent.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Vegas Golden Knights rank 3rd in the league in power play percentage this season (25.53%).
- The Vegas Golden Knights rank 6th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (82.32%).
- The Buffalo Sabres rank 4th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (82.87%).
- The Buffalo Sabres rank T6th in the league for goals per game this season (3.45).
Golden Knights vs Sabres Prediction
Vegas comes into this matchup on a two game winning streak and they have outscored those opponents by a total of 10-2. The Golden Knights are 16-10-7 at home this year, while the Sabres are 19-11-3 on the road. Buffalo has won nine of their last ten games and they have allowed two goals or fewer in three of their last five. The Sabres have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL, but they are banged up and Vegas has more talent. Take the Golden Knights at home.