Two teams currently on losing skids, the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings clash at Little Caesars Arena in a divisional tilt. This one gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 22 and it’s being televised live on Fox Sports Detroit.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Detroit Red Wings Odds
Producing 8.1 units for moneyline bettors, Detroit is 24-35 straight up (SU) overall thus far. That early-season winning percentage is right in line with what the team posted during last year’s regular season (33-49). Of its 59 regular season outings, 35 have gone under the total, while 24 have gone over and none have pushed. The team’s 12-20 SU at home this year.
The Red Wings have converted on just 18.6 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that’s ranked 23rd overall in the NHL. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 25th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 78.1 percent of all penalties.
The Red Wings, as a collective unit, have been whistled for penalties 3.7 times per game overall this season, and 2.4 per game over their last five games at home. The team has had to stave off opponent power plays for just 8.2 minutes per game over their last 10 outings, overall.
Averaging 26.3 saves per game with a .910 save percentage, Jimmy Howard (16 wins, 27 losses, and six OT losses) has been the primary goalkeeper for Detroit this year. If Detroit chooses to rest him, however, head coach Jeff Blashill may go with Petr Mrazek (8-14-14 record, .910 save percentage, 2.89 goals against average).
The Wings will continue looking for offensive production from Dylan Larkin and Henrik Zetterberg. Larkin (44 points) is up to nine goals and 35 assists and has recorded two or more points eight times this year. Zetterberg has eight goals and 32 assists to his credit and has notched a point in 30 contests.
Buffalo is 17-43 straight up (SU) and has lost 20.4 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 60 regular season contests, 30 of its games have gone under the total, while 27 have gone over and just three have pushed. As the visiting team so far, the Sabres are 9-21 SU.
The Sabres have converted on just 17.1 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s ranked 26th in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 19th overall and it’s successfully defended 79.4 percent of all penalties.
Buffalo’s skaters have been called for penalties 3.6 times per game this season, and 4.3 per game over their last ten contests. The team has been forced to defend opponent power plays just 8.0 minutes per game over their last five outings.
Robin Lehner (26.8 saves per game) has been the main option in goal for Buffalo. Lehner owns a 12-32-8 record, while registering a .910 save percentage and 2.95 goals against average this year.
Leading the offensive counter for the visiting Sabres will be Jack Eichel, who has 22 goals and 31 assists this year.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Detroit Red Wings Free Picks
NHL Tip: SU Winner – Red Wings, O/U – Over
Betting Notes
- Detroit (4-1 in shootouts) has more shootout experience coming into this one. Buffalo fell short in its one shootout this season.
- The under has hit in each of Detroit’s last five outings.
- Buffalo skaters have given out the 10th-most hits in the league (22.4 per game).
