Teams Playing Out String
The playoff picture has become more apparent with only a few weeks remaining in the NHL’s regular season. Unfortunately for the Chicago Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres, the postseason is not in their futures.
Regardless, the Sabres will travel to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks on Monday night in a battle of two fledgling teams. The NHL betting lines at BetUS Sportsbook have the Chicago Blackhawks as moneyline favorites at -165.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and NHL odds for Sabres vs Blackhawks. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.
Blackhawks Focus on Rebuild
Like any team near the bottom of the NHL standings, the Blackhawks have had trouble scoring while failing to keep the puck out of their net.
The Blackhawks average just 2.7 goals per game, allowing a 3.21 goals-against average.
While there are still a few holdovers from the Blackhawks’ 2015 Stanley Cup team, it’s clear they’re in the midst of a rebuild. No one was safe, not even 23-year-old prospect Brandon Hagel, who was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning for two first-round draft picks.
The impact of the rebuild has hit the Blackhawks hard this season, and according to general manager Kyle Davidson, things may not get better the rest of the season or anytime soon.
“I see this as a longer-term project, and I want to be honest about expectations and what it will take to bring us back to where we want to be,” Davidson said. “There is a lot of work to do, more than making a couple deals like we just did.”
It’s been a down season for the Blackhawks, but they’re hoping to end the season on a good note. So far, they’ve accomplished that feat, coming away with points in seven of 12 games in March.
Sabres Look to Find Offense
Much like the Blackhawks, the Buffalo Sabres have struggled this season on both ends of the ice.
In particular, Buffalo has come up small in the offensive department. They are averaging 2.6 goals per game, second to only the Montreal Canadiens (2.5 G/GP) for worst in the NHL.
Center Tage Thompson leads the Sabres in goals (27) and points (49). He’s the only Buffalo player with more than 20 goals and assists.
Buffalo has sent a carousel of goalies to the crease, starting six different netminders. Craig Anderson and Dustin Tokarski have received most of the playing time and both have a GAA over 3.00.
Despite Buffalo’s poor season, the Sabres have been playing better hockey lately. With a record of 5-3-2 in their last 10 games, the Sabres have earned at least a point in six of their previous seven games.
Sabres vs Blackhawks Head-to-Head
These two teams have not played this season. In an even bigger surprise, these two teams have not played for nearly 2½ years. The last time the Blackhawks and Sabres met up was Nov. 18, 2019. The Blackhawks won 4-1.
Sabres vs Blackhawks Game Information
- Game: Sabres (23-33-10) at Blackhawks (24-32-10)
- Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
- Day/Time: Monday March 28th, 2022; 8:30pm ET
- Live stream: NHL.TV
Sabres vs Blackhawks Betting Lines
Sabres vs Blackhawks Prediction
Monday’s Chicago Blackhawks vs. Buffalo Sabres game won’t be a marquee matchup on the NHL schedule. However, with both teams’ struggles on defense, the game may be surprisingly high-scoring. Both teams are playing much better hockey right now and look for that to continue.
The Blackhawks still have veteran players who will not mail in any games moving forward. On the other side, the Sabres have some young standouts, including Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin and Dylan Cozens who are eager to establish themselves in the NHL.
Monday’s contest could be close with plenty of potential goals to go around.
When betting online, take the Buffalo Sabres over the Chicago Blackhawks in an East vs. West battle Monday night.
