The Philadelphia Flyers (22-14-8) and Buffalo Sabres (24-16-4) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. EST at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y. The game will be broadcast live on TNT.
The Sabres are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6.5 (+105o / -125u). The Sabres are a -155 favorite to win outright, while the Flyers are +130 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Flyers vs. Sabres predictions and NHL picks.
Flyers vs. Sabres Odds, Pick
| Flyers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -198 | 6.5 110o / -130u | +130 |
| Sabres Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +164 | 6.5 110o / -130u | -155 |
- Flyers vs. Sabres Spread: Flyers +1.5 (-198), Sabres -1.5 (+164)
- Flyers vs. Sabres Over/Under: 6.5 (-125 / +105)
- Flyers vs. Sabres Moneyline: Flyers +130, Sabres -155
Flyers vs. Sabres Preview
Philadelphia Flyers
Goaltender Dan Vladar is expected to draw the start for the Philadelphia Flyers in this contest. Although he has put together a solid season, he carries a poor track record against the Buffalo Sabres.
Across the past three meetings, Vladar owns a .892 save percentage.
Goal support has been inconsistent for Vladar, but Philadelphia has shown intermittent offensive sparks. Over the past seven games, the Flyers have scored five or more goals three times, proving they can take advantage of poor defensive play in the right situation.
That situation may present itself Wednesday, given the Sabres’ lackluster blue line.
Buffalo Sabres
This season, Buffalo ranks 20th in goals allowed per game, a figure driven largely by a defense that surrenders high-danger scoring chances at a high rate.
Entering this matchup, the Sabres also rank 20th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). Despite those defensive struggles, Buffalo has won 13 of its past 15 games.
How is that possible? One of the hottest offenses in the league.
The Sabres are averaging 3.7 goals per game over that stretch, and their underlying metrics suggest that offensive success will continue. On the season, Buffalo ranks 10th in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60).
Flyers vs. Sabres Prediction
Given the combination of Buffalo’s strong offense and shaky defense, six or more total goals have been scored in each of the Sabres’ past five games. Meanwhile, six or more goals have been scored in six of Philadelphia’s past seven outings.
The over has also been a strong trend when these teams meet. In fact, six or more total goals have been scored in each of the past 10 meetings between the Flyers and Sabres.
Pick: Over 5.5
