In this article we will formulate a Sabres vs Maple Leafs prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, April 15th at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres are 35-38-7 this year after they lost to Tampa Bay by a score of 7-4 in their last game. Buffalo led 2-1 after the first period, but they allowed the next five goals, as Tampa Bay put the game away. The Sabres were outshot by a total of 31-25, won 47.8% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Buffalo got goals from Kulich, Lafferty, Tuch, and Clifton, while Reimer stopped 24 out of 31 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Sabres lost to the Panthers by a score of 3-2 and the Blue Jackets by a score of 3-2. Buffalo has lost three games in a row and they are currently second to last in the Atlantic standings with 77 points. Buffalo has scored 3.25 goals per game and they have allowed 3.49 goals against per game, while also going 19% on the power play and 76.4% on the penalty kill this season. Tage Thompson has led Buffalo with 44 goals, 28 assists, and 235 shots on goal, while Rasmus Dahlin has added 17 goals, 51 assists, and 196 shots on goal. James Reimer is 9-8-2 with a 2.84 goals against average and a .904 save percentage this season.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 50-26-4 this season after they defeated Carolina by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Toronto had their lead cut to 3-1 in the third, but they added an insurance goal with about five minutes left in the win. The Maple Leafs were outshot by a total of 26-20, won 56.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Toronto got goals from Holmberg, Matthews, Nylander, and Tavares, while Woll stopped 25 out of 26 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Maple Leafs defeated the Canadiens by a score of 1-0 and the Lightning by a score of 4-3. Toronto has won seven of their last eight games and they are currently first in the Atlantic standings with 104 points. Toronto has scored 3.24 goals per game and they have allowed 2.83 goals against per game, while also going 25.2% on the power play and 77.9% on the penalty kill this season. Mitch Marner has led Toronto with 26 goals, 73 assists, and 172 shots on goal, while William Nylander has added 45 goals, 39 assists, and 250 shots on goal. Anthony Stolarz is 20-8-3 with a 2.21 goals against average and a .923 save percentage this year.
Why the Sabres will beat the Maple Leafs
- The Sabres have won each of their last 10 games as home underdogs.
- The Maple Leafs have lost two of their last three games as road favorites.
- The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last 10 games as home underdogs.
- The Maple Leafs have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last nine games as favorites following a road win.
- The Sabres have won the third period in each of their last six games as home underdogs.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the Maple Leafs’ last eight games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Sabres’ last four games against opponents on a winning streak have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Three of the last four games between teams from the same division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Sabres’ last 15 games following a road loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Maple Leafs’ last seven games as favorites against opponents on a losing streak.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Rasmus Dahlin has recorded at least one assist in each of the Sabres’ last six games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Tage Thompson has scored at least one goal in each of the Sabres’ last seven night games at KeyBank Center.
- Tage Thompson has recorded at least one point in each of the Sabres’ last 10 games as home underdogs.
Toronto Maple Leafs Player Prop Facts
- Auston Matthews has scored at least one goal in six of the Maple Leafs’ last seven games against the Sabres.
- William Nylander has recorded at least one point in each of the Maple Leafs’ last 11 games against the Sabres.
- Morgan Rielly has recorded an assist in eight of his last nine appearances at KeyBank Center.
Sabres vs Maple Leafs Prediction
Toronto comes into this matchup needing one point or a TB loss to lock up first in the Atlantic, but they will be on the road here. The Maple Leafs are 24-13-3 on the road this year, while the Sabres are 22-14-3 at home. Buffalo was playing very well over the last few weeks, but they have dropped three games in a row. On the bright side for the Sabres, they are very good at home and this will be Toronto’s third game in four days. I don’t think we are going to see Toronto’s best effort here, as they try to conserve a little energy for the playoffs, so give me Buffalo on home ice.