Buffalo Sabres (27-33-6) vs. Utah Hockey Club (30-27-11)
March 20, 2025 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Utah Hockey Club 0.0001 / Buffalo Sabres 0.0001; Over/Under: 0.0001
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a Hockey Club vs Sabres prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, March 20 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres (27-33-6, 33-33 ATS) went through a rough patch of six consecutive defeats but managed to bounce back with three wins in the last four games. The Sabres beat the Oilers, Golden Knights, and Bruins while losing to the Red Wings. Buffalo is at the bottom of the Atlantic Division Standings with 60 points, 25 behind the first-placed Florida Panthers.
The Sabres average 3.12 goals per game this year (12th), while they allow 3.50 GPG (29th). Tage Thompson leads the team with 59 points (34 G and 25 A). Rasmus Dahlin contributes 52 points (12 G and 40 A), while JJ Peterka has 51 points (19 G and 32 A).
Utah Hockey Club Betting Preview
The Utah Hockey Club (30-27-11, 30-38 ATS) finished the previous month in style with three straight victories, but in March, they haven’t been playing well. The Hockey Club lost five of eight games this month; they returned home from a three-game road trip on which they lost to the Kraken and Oilers and beat the Canucks. Utah is 6th in the Central Division Standings with 71 points, 27 behind the leaders Jets.
The Hockey Club score 2.79 goals per game on average (22nd), while they concede 2.97 GPG (18th). This season, Clayton Keller leads the team with 75 points (24 G and 51 A). Nick Schmaltz has 53 points (16 G and 37 A), while Logan Cooley chips in with 49 points (18 G and 31 A).
Karel Vejmelka (19-18-6) is expected to start for the Hockey Club at the goal on Thursday against the Sabres. The 28-year-old is allowing 2.50 goals per game this year with a .908 SV% and one shutout.
Total Goals Facts
- Six of the Sabres’ last seven games against Central Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Eight of Utah’s last 10 night games at Delta Center have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in 10 of the Sabres’ last 11 games following an overtime win.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in three of Utah’s last four games as a favorite against Atlantic Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- Utah Hockey Club are one of only four teams to lose 25+ games when tied or leading after Period 1 this season.
- Utah Hockey Club are one of only four teams to lose 10+ games when leading after Period 1 this season.
- The Buffalo Sabres rank 1st in the league in penalty minutes this season (725).
- The Buffalo Sabres rank 1st in the league for Period 1 goals scored per game this season (1.14).
Hockey Club vs Sabres Prediction
The Hockey Club won the only H2H encounter thus far when they recorded a 5-2 victory in Buffalo back in December. The Sabres have one of the weakest defenses in the NHL, and although they face below-average offense, that same offense already scored five goals against Buffalo this season. I am backing Utah to score at least four in this duel, while I also expect the visitors to contribute enough for this tilt to go Over. The Sabres have hit the Game Total Over in 41 of their last 77 games. I am going with Over.
