Buffalo Sabres Looking to Play Spoiler Against Boston Bruins
Bruins at Sabres Betting Preview
Taylor Hall played 37 games for the Buffalo Sabres this year and scored a disappointing two goals. In the four games Hall has played with his new team, the Boston Bruins, he has already matched the goal output he achieved with the Sabres. On Tuesday night at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, Hall has an opportunity to add to his Bruins goal-scoring totals against his former teammates.
Since Hall arrived in Boston, the Bruins have won four straight games. Those four wins have allowed Boston to stay ahead of the suddenly surging New York Rangers, who have also won their last four games. The Rangers trail Boston by only four points for the final playoff spot in the East Division.
The NHL odds have the Bruins listed at a moneyline of -320 while the Sabres are at +260 with the total set at 5½ goals favoring the under.
Season Series to Date:
The Buffalo Sabres may not have a lot left to play, but maybe spoiling the Bruins’ opportunity to make the playoffs will give them some added motivation. Buffalo and Boston are scheduled to play five more games down the stretch.
Boston has won all three matchups against the Sabres, including the lone game played at the KeyBank Center.
From an over/under perspective, all three games played had a goal total of five. The current O/U line for this game is 5.5 (-120 Under).
Buffalo Streaking … of Sorts
It’s no secret the Sabres have had a season to forget. With only 12 wins in 45 games, Buffalo already is eliminated from the playoffs. However, if you examine the Sabres over the last six games, maybe their fortunes are turning.
In their last six games, the Sabres are 3-3. The final score in the three losses they suffered were: 3-2 (vs. Pittsburgh), 3-2 (vs. Boston), and 4-3 (vs. Washington). For those interested in wagering on the Bruins versus Sabres contest, that means Buffalo has covered the -1.5 goal line in six consecutive starts.
Buffalo has averaged only 2.40 goals per game while allowing 3.36 per game. However, over their last five games, the Buffalo stats look a little bit better. The Sabres have scored 18 goals over those five games (3.6 goals per game) while giving up just 13 (2.6 goals against).
Hall and Oates Were Good. Can Hall and Krejci Be Better?
For 39 games, many wondered if the Boston Bruins had enough scoring depth up front to make a long playoff run. Despite Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak all having very good statistical seasons to date, the Bruins were often struggling to score enough goals as a team.
Since Hall has arrived in Boston, the Bruins have scored 16 goals over those four games. The last time out, Boston scored six goals against Washington. Although the top-line trio was responsible for four of those goals, the second-line unit of David Krejci, Hall and Craig Smith was responsible for two.
If Hall, Krejci and Smith have chemistry moving forward, the Bruins become a truly dangerous offensive team.
What to Look for Tuesday Night
Over their last five games, the Sabres have scored 18 total goals. Over their last four games, the Bruins have scored 16 goals. Let’s not overthink this one when making your NHL bet; take the team total over at 5½ goals for this game and enjoy the fireworks show in Buffalo.
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