If you want more Action Network content, be sure to add us as a preferred source on Google.
The Buffalo Sabres (8-6-3) and Chicago Blackhawks (4-13-1) will meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 8:00 p.m. EST at United Center in Chicago, Ill. The game will broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Sabres are favored at -155 on the moneyline, with the Blackhawks +130 to pull off the upset. The over/under is set at 6.5 (-108o / -112u).
Let's get into our Sabres vs. Blackhawks predictions and NHL picks.
Sabres vs. Blackhawks Prediction
Our Buffalo vs. Chicago best bet is for Mattias Samuelsson to record under 1.5 shots on goal, with the best odds currently available at DraftKings. For all of your NHL bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NHL odds page.
Make sure to download the Action Network app for more NHL picks and analysis!
Sabres vs Blackhawks Odds
| Sabres Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +160 | 6.5 -108o / -112u | -155 |
| Blackhawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -192 | 6.5 -108o / -112u | +130 |
- Sabres vs. Blackhawks puck line: Sabres -1.5 (+160), Blackhawks +1.5 (-192)
- Sabres vs. Blackhawks over/under: 6.5 (-108o / -112u)
- Sabres vs. Blackhawks moneyline: Sabres -155, Blackhawks +130
- Sabres vs. Blackhawks best bet: Mattias Samuelsson Under 1.5 Shots on Goal
Sabres vs. Blackhawks Pick
When targeting Buffalo defenseman Mattias Samuelsson, you should never expect a ton of offensive volume. Primarily deployed as a physical, stay-at-home defensive specialist and penalty-kill anchor, Samuelsson’s offensive output is notoriously hit-or-miss.
Even while skating alongside Rasmus Dahlin on the top pairing, his primary responsibility is shutting down opposing top lines and facilitating clean exits rather than firing pucks from the blue line.
At first glance, his recent 10-game rolling average of 1.4 shots on goal might make an under look slightly tight. However, that figure is heavily inflated by a massive outlier performance against the Vegas Golden Knights, where Samuelsson erupted for a season-high four shots on goal.
Spike games like that are extreme rarities for a blueliner whose game is built on positioning and puck retrieval. In fact, when these two teams met earlier this season back in October, Samuelsson registered just one shot on goal.
Action Network's PRO Projections cut right through the noise of that single outlier outing, pegging a strong 60% hit rate on Samuelsson staying under 1.5 shots on goal tonight.
With no power-play deployment to pad his shooting opportunities and Dahlin commanding the lion's share of offensive touches from the point, Samuelsson's floor remains exceptionally low.
Back his natural defensive profile to hold true in Chicago and take the under at reasonable -125 juice.
Best Bet: Mattias Samuelsson Under 1.5 Shots on Goal (-125)
