In this article we will formulate a Panthers vs Sabres prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, April 12th at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Florida Panthers Betting Preview
The Florida Panthers are 46-29-4 this year after they defeated Detroit by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Florida trailed 1-0 after one period, but they scored the last four goals in the game to pull away with the win. The Panthers outshot Detroit by a total of 31-23, won 49.1% of the face-offs, and went 1-1 on the power play in the game. Florida got goals from Barkov, Marchand, Rodrigues, and Samoskevich, while Bobrovsky stopped 22 out of 23 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Panthers defeated the Maple Leafs by a score of 3-1, but did lose to the Red Wings by a score of 2-1 before that. Florida has lost five of their last seven games and they are currently third in the Atlantic standings with 96 points. Florida has scored 3.04 goals per game and they have allowed 2.67 goals against per game, while also going 24% on the power play and 81.2% on the penalty kill this season. Sam Reinhart has led Florida with 37 goals, 42 assists, and 209 shots on goal, while Aleksander Barkov has added 20 goals, 49 assists, and 147 shots on goal. Sergei Bobrovsky 33-18-2 with a 2.39 goals against average and a .908 save percentage this year.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres are 35-37-6 this season after they lost to Columbus by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Buffalo led 2-0 in the first period, but they allowed the last three goals in the loss. The Sabres outshot Columbus by a total of 41-30, won 50% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Buffalo got goals from Peterka and Dahlin, while Reimer stopped 27 out of 30 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Sabres defeated the Hurricanes by a score of 3-0 and the Bruins by a score of 6-3. Buffalo has won five of their last six games and they are currently second to last in the Atlantic standings with 76 points. Buffalo has scored 3.26 goals per game and they have allowed 3.46 goals against per game, while also going 18.1% on the power play and 76.3% on the penalty kill this season. Tage Thompson has led Buffalo with 44 goals, 27 assists, and 230 shots on goal, while Rasmus Dahlin has added 16 goals, 48 assists, and 186 shots on goal. James Reimer is 9-7-2 with a 2.62 goals against average and a .911 save percentage this season in 20 games for Buffalo.
Why the Sabres will beat the Panthers
- The Sabres have won four of their last five games as underdogs.
- The Panthers have lost four of their last six games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last seven night games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Panthers have failed to cover the puck line in 10 of their last 12 games as favorites.
- The Panthers have lost the third period in seven of their last eight games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Panthers’ last 10 night games against Atlantic Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Sabres’ last five night games at Amerant Bank Arena have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Ten of the last 12 games between two teams from the Atlantic Division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Sabres’ last 13 games following a road loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in four of the last five games between the Sabres and Panthers.
Florida Panthers Player Prop Facts
- Aleksander Barkov has recorded at least one point in each of the Panthers’ last nine home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Matthew Tkachuk has scored at least one goal in each of his last seven appearances with the Panthers as favorites.
- Aaron Ekblad has recorded at least one assist in each of his last six appearances after playing less than 20 minutes in the Panthers’ last game.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Tage Thompson has scored at least one goal in each of the Sabres’ last four games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Rasmus Dahlin has recorded an assist in each of the Sabres’ last four games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- JJ Peterka has recorded at least one point in each of the Sabres’ last seven road games.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Florida Panthers rank 7th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.67).
- The Florida Panthers rank 2nd in the league in penalty minutes this season (802).
- The Buffalo Sabres rank 29th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.46).
- The Buffalo Sabres rank T7th in the league for goals per game this season (3.26).
Panthers vs Sabres Prediction
Florida comes into this matchup just two points behind Tampa Bay for second in the Atlantic standings, so this is a huge game for them. The Panthers are 26-11-2 at home this year, while the Sabres are 13-23-3 on the road. Buffalo is coming off of a loss in their last game, but they have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL over the last two weeks. The Sabres have won eight of their last ten games, with wins over Washington, Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Winnipeg. I know the Panthers have won two in a row, but they continue to deal with injuries and Buffalo is full of confidence. Take the Sabres here.