Sabres vs Penguins Prediction
The Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins face off on Saturday in an NHL showdown at PPG Paints Arena.
Sabres Play Second Game in as Many Nights
The Sabres headed into Friday’s game against the Minnesota Wild with a 6-6-1 record. On Tuesday, the Sabres faced off against the Carolina Hurricanes, and they were defeated 3-2. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen only faced 27 shots, and he stopped only 24 of them. The Sabres are averaging 3.15 goals while their defense is giving up 3.15 goals per game. The offense is ranked 16th and on tired legs, they are going to need to get the offense going here.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Jeff Skinner has scored at least one goal in each of the Sabres' last six games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- Rasmus Dahlin has recorded at least one point in each of the Sabres' last seven games as underdogs.
- Casey Mittelstadt has recorded at least one assist in each of the Sabres' last six games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- Casey Mittelstadt has the most multi-assist games for the Sabres this season (2).
Penguins Coming off Impressive Victory
The Penguins sit with a 6-6-0 record overall, and they are coming off an impressive victory in the last game. It took overtime against the Los Angeles Kings, but they were able to secure the 4-3 victory. Sidney Crosby scored a goal and added an assist. Magnus Hellburg was in goal, and he stopped 33 of the 36 shots that he faced. The Penguins are averaging 3.5 goals while their defense is giving up 2.8 goals per game. The offense is ranked 9th in the league, while the defense is ranked 8th.
Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts
- Reilly Smith has scored at least one goal in four of his last five appearances with his team as a favorite against the Sabres.
- Evgeni Malkin has recorded at least one point in 19 of his last 20 appearances against the Sabres.
- Erik Karlsson has recorded at least one assist in each of his last eight home appearances against the Sabres.
- Reilly Smith has the most multi-goal games for the Penguins this season (2).
Shane’s Free Pick
The Penguins have a big advantage here. They are the better offensive team, and the Sabres are going to be playing with tired legs. The Penguins are going to score at least five goals here, and that is going to be the difference. The Sabres offense is going to score only a goal or two and that is going to be the difference as the Penguins are going to get the job done. Back the Penguins -1.5 to cash here.
