Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Buffalo Sabres vs Anaheim Ducks. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Buffalo Sabres vs Anaheim Ducks
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSG Buffalo; KCOP; Sportsnet (CA); ESPN+
We’ve got a quiet Friday night on the ice with the Ducks hosting the Sabres in one of two games. Both clubs are coming off victories, but Anaheim has a three-game winning streak. The Sabres are coming off a 1-0 shutout of the Los Angeles Kings as they continue their Western swing.
These two clubs have a lot of young talent, but are still going to be a season or two from challenging for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot. Both of these teams also have goalies that have put up some strong games early in this season.
Let’s take a look at this East versus West matchup in this round of NHL predictions.
The Sabres Story
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the expected starter, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Luukkonen turned away all 23 shots for earn his first shutout of the season against the Kings.
JJ Peterka has seven goals and nine assists for the Sabres at this point of the season. Zachary Benson has three goals and an assist over the past 10 games. These youngsters have to step up while Tage Thompson and Jordan Greenway are both out due to injuries.
Thompson leads the team in goals (11), but Alex Tuch is tied with him for the lead in points with 18. Tuch also has the most assists on the club with 13.
The Ducks Story
Anaheim is likely to roll with Lukas Dostal in between the pipes for this game. John Gibson picked up the win with 18 saves in a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Ducks have won three straight games, including the win over Chicago. This team has been more consistent on the defensive end and picked up some important wins.
Anaheim is paced by Troy Terry, who leads in points with 12. Terry and Leo Carlsson are tied for first in goals with six.
Prediction
Both teams are showing some upside, but the Sabres have just a bit more firepower to get over the hump.
There are plenty of similarities between the clubs and both are showing a lot of promise.
Prediction: Sabres win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with a couple of prop bets for this game. The over/under for this game 6.0 and we like the under at -105 at Bet365. On the Sabres side, we like Rasmus Dahlin at +100 to get at least one assist. For the Ducks, go with Cutter Gauthier to get three shots at +110. This is also at Bet365.
Main photo by: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
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