Two teams that split their head-to-head series 1-1 a year ago, the Buffalo Sabres and the St. Louis Blues take the ice at the Scottrade Center in an East-West showdown. The opening face-off is at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 10, and you can watch the game live on Fox Sports Midwest.
Buffalo Sabres vs. St. Louis Blues Odds
Earning moneyline bettors 5.3 units, St. Louis is 20-10 straight up (SU) overall this year. That winning percentage, ranked second in the league in this young season, is an improvement over the 46-36 record from the 2016-17 season campaign. 15 of its 30 games have gone under the total, while 14 have gone over and none have pushed. The teams 10-5 SU at home this season.
The Blues have converted on just 17.3 percent of their power play chances this season, a mark that puts them in the bottom-10 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated 21st overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 79.1 percent of all penalties.
The Blues, as a collective unit, have been penalized just 3.5 times per game overall this season, 3.0 per game over their past five contests total, and 3.0 per game over their last five at home. The teams had to kill penalties for just 6.8 minutes per game over their last 10 matchups, overall.
With a .912 save percentage and 25.4 saves per game, Jake Allen (16 wins, nine losses, and two OT losses) has been the primary goalkeeper for the Blue Notes this season. Allen did just play last night, however, so the team could decide to rest him and turn to Carter Hutton instead (5-3-3 record, .937 save percentage, 1.88 goals against average).
Brayden Schenn and Jaden Schwartz will each look to continue their strong seasons for the Blues. Schenn (36 points) has produced 15 goals and 21 assists and has recorded multiple points nine times this year. Schwartz has 14 goals and 21 assists to his name and has notched at least one point in 20 contests.
Buffalo is 7-22 straight up (SU) and has lost 15.3 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 29 regular season outings, 15 of its games have gone under the total, while 11 have gone over and just three have pushed. As an away team, the Sabres are 4-12 SU so far.
The Sabres have converted on just 12.0 percent of their power play chances this season, a mark that’s ranked 30th in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 17th overall and it’s successfully killed off 80.2 percent of all penalties.
Buffalo’s players have been penalized 3.7 times per game this season, and 5.2 per game over their last five road outings. The team has been forced to defend opponent power plays just 7.9 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Robin Lehner (2.92 goals against average and .909 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Buffalo. Lehner is averaging 25.8 saves per game and owns a 6-16-3 record.
Leading the offensive counter for the visiting Sabres will be Evander Kane (13 goals, 13 assists) and Jack Eichel (eight goals, 15 assists).
Buffalo Sabres vs. St. Louis Blues Betting Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Blues, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
- The under has hit in four of St. Louis last five games.
- Buffalo has managed 30.4 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while St. Louis has been attempting 36.0 shots per game over its last five at home.
- St. Louis has allowed 2.5 goals per game overall this season, but is giving up only 1.3 per contest in its past three games (the teams a perfect 0-0 SU over that span).
- Seven of Buffalo’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 2-5 in those games.
- This game features two of the tougher teams in the league. Buffalo skaters have accounted for the leagues ninth-most hits per game (23.1) and the Blues have registered the seventh-most (23.5).
