The Vegas Golden Knights (28-18-14) and Buffalo Sabres (35-19-6) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EST at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Sabres are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6.5 (-109o / -109u). The Sabres are a -134 favorite to win outright, while the Golden Knights are +113 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Golden Knights vs. Sabres predictions and NHL picks.
Golden Knights vs. Sabres Odds, Pick
| Golden Knights Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -227 | 6.5 -109o / -109u | +113 |
| Sabres Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +180 | 6.5 -109o / -109u | -134 |
- Golden Knights vs. Sabres Spread: Sabres -1.5 (+180 ), Golden Knights +1.5 (-227)
- Golden Knights vs. Sabres Over/Under: 6.5 (-109o / -109u)
- Golden Knights vs. Sabres Moneyline: Golden Knights +113, Sabres -134
Golden Knights vs. Sabres Preview
Vegas Golden Knights
Goaltender Adin Hill is slated to start for the Vegas Golden Knights and could be a strong fade candidate. Through 14 starts this season, Hill is 5-4-3 with an .858 SV%.
Despite his struggles, Hill has earned at least a point in eight of those 14 outings, a testament to the offensive support in front of him. Entering this matchup, Vegas ranks in the top half of the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60).
Not only are the Golden Knights generating high-danger scoring chances, but they are converting them as well. Vegas ranks 10th in goals scored per game, sixth in power play percentage and 10th in shooting percentage.
Buffalo Sabres
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres have relied heavily on their offense while compiling a 35-19-6 record.
Currently second in the Atlantic Division, Buffalo ranks seventh in goals scored per game and fifth in shooting percentage.
Like Vegas, the Sabres’ offensive success is driven by their ability to create high-danger scoring chances. Buffalo ranks 12th in xGF/60 this season.
However, the same cannot be said for its defensive play. While the Sabres excel at generating chances, they struggle to suppress them, ranking 30th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60).
Golden Knights vs. Sabres Prediction
Given Buffalo’s profile, it is not surprising that six or more total goals have been scored in five of its past seven games. Vegas also brings a potent offense that could continue that trend.
Six or more total goals have been scored in seven of the past 10 meetings between these teams. Add Hill’s struggles in net, and this matchup should have a strong chance of reaching at least six goals.
Pick: Over 6
