Few NHL teams are as hot as the Buffalo Sabre. They have won five straight games with the last three as an underdog. Buffalo has improved to 17-18 on the moneyline NHL odds as an underdog, which makes them a profitable dark horse. It tries to go for another upset as it visits the Minnesota, a team that has typically been solid as favorites.
Let’s check the latest NHL news, stats, injury reports, and NHL lines for Sabres vs Wild. We’ve got plenty of NHL picks for you to consider.
Sabres Developing on Both Ends?
Everyone knows Buffalo can score. It’s the main reason why this team is flirting with playoff contention. But in this recent streak, it’s Buffalo’s defense that has been key. The Sabres did not allow more than three goals in each of their wins. That’s due to the team allowing just 25 scoring chances per 60 minutes on 5-on-5, which is the sixth-best mark in this period.
The #Sabres defense came up BIG in this one!
Buffalo Sabres defense comes up big for Comrie (via @sabrenoise) https://t.co/pojQUbUnxI
— SabreNoise (@sabrenoise) January 27, 2023
This team outshot and outplayed Winnipeg, dominated the Islanders, and beat Dallas. Getting some decent netminding also went a long way as it has something Buffalo has sorely needed. The Sabres’ goalies have combined for an 89.6 save percentage. That puts them at 20th in the NHL.
Buffalo has been getting lit up on the penalty kill (PK). At 73.6%t, four teams are worse than the Sabres in this department. The team has played eight games where their opponent scored two or more power play goals. The Sabres went 1-5-2. If they can stay off the penalty box or improve on the PK, Buffalo will be even more potent on the sportsbook.
Wild Keep it Steady
But one does not simply go to St. Paul and upset the Wild. Minnesota sports a 23-12 record as a favorite on the moneyline, which is one of the best among teams usually favored. The Wild’s secret has been its responsible 5-on-5 play. The Wild play some of the best two-way hockey.
On 5-on-5 at home, Minnesota allows the second-fewest scoring chances per 60 minutes (23.1) and the fewest high-danger chances (8.5). If the Wild produced more chances on their end, they may have a better record than 14-8-1.
Still, don’t expect plenty of goal scoring to happen when Minnesota controls the game at the Xcel Energy Center. That’s why their last five home games have under the total.
Sabres vs Wild Game Injuries
Sabres vs Wild Head-to-Head
Buffalo has won five of its last six games against Minnesota. Also, the Sabres are 4-1 in their last five games visiting the Wild. At least one team scores four or more goals in seven of their last 10 matchups.
Sabres vs Wild Game Information
- Game: Sabres (25-19-3) vs Wild (31-17-1)
- Day/Time: Saturday, Jan. 28th, 9:07 p.m. ET
- Location: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN
- Sabres vs Wild Live Stream: NHL TV
Sabres vs Wild Betting Lines
Sabres vs Wild Prediction
All good things come to an end and the Wild should beat the Sabres. While Buffalo is on fire, the Wild have the right ingredients to spoil whatever the Sabres are cooking up. The Wild will neutralize the Sabres on 5-on-5 and then exploit Buffalo’s leaky PK. Minnesota’s PP converts at 30.4 percent when at home. Bet online on Minnesota.
Minnesota is listed at -175 in our NHL lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Wild, you have a chance to win $57. Buffalo is +155, offering a chance to win $155 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Minnesota a 63.64% chance to win, with the Sabres at 39.22%.
Sabres vs Wild Trends
Sabres vs Wild Edge
Sabres vs Wild Results
Sabres vs Wild Game Summary
