Buffalo Sabres vs Los Angeles Kings Predictions

Buffalo has the better record, not a clear betting edge

The game preview from FOX Sports / Associated Press lists Buffalo at 6-4-3 and Los Angeles at 4-6-2. The Kings are 0-3-0 at home, which makes the Sabres the likelier winner, but Buffalo’s 2-1-3 road record includes three games that went beyond regulation.

Buffalo has allowed 3.5 goals per game over its past 10, compared with 2.5 for Los Angeles. The Sabres have also been outscored 46-40 this season, so their stronger record doesn’t make the -122 moneyline attractive.

Goalie uncertainty favors patience

NHL.com projects Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for Buffalo and Darcy Kuemper for Los Angeles, but neither starter is confirmed. Kuemper, Adrian Kempe and Brandt Clarke are expected to play after practice absences, leaving no clear availability advantage for Buffalo.

The Kings have averaged 2.6 goals over their past 10 games, while Buffalo has averaged 3.0. Those figures don’t justify Buffalo -1.5, and they point in different directions on a total of 5.5. The over also carries a steep -135 price, so the total is a pass.

Betting view

Buffalo should be favored, but -122 asks bettors to back a road team that has allowed more goals than it has scored. With the starting goalies still projected and no dependable edge on the puck line or total, the best wager is no wager.