The Buffalo Sabres (38-37-5) visit the Florida Panthers (50-24-6) on Saturday at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Sabres vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: Panthers lead 2-0
The Sabres have been eliminated from the postseason contention, but they haven’t given up. Buffalo has posted 3 wins in the past 5 Games, and it has a winning record (5-4-0) in the past 9 outings since March 24. The Under is 3-1-2 in the past 6 contests.
The Panthers are just 1 point back of the Boston Bruins for the Atlantic Division lead, although the B’s have a game in hand. Florida has posted a 24-13-2 record at home, and it has a plus-64 goal differential, tied for the best mark in the NHL with the Carolina Hurricanes.
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Sabres at Panthers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Sabres +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Panthers -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres +1.5 (-140) | Panthers -1.5 (+115)
- Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Sabres at Panthers projected goalies
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (27-22-3, 2.56 GAA, .910 SV%, 5 SO) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (35-17-4, 2.38 GAA, .914 SV%, 6 SO)
Luukkonen allowed 2 goals on 24 shots in a 4-2 victory against the Washington Capitals Thursday, and he has allowed 3 or fewer goals in 6 straight outings. UPL allowed 3 goals on 37 shots in a 3-2 road loss against the Panthers Feb. 27, his only appearance against Florida this season.
Bobrovsky kicked aside all 25 shots he faced against the Blue Jackets Thursday for his 2nd shutout in the past 3 starts, and his 6th SO on the season. He was in between the pipes for that 3-2 win at home against the Sabres in late March, stopping 28 of the 30 shots he faced.
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Sabres at Panthers picks and predictions
Prediction
Panthers 4, Sabres 2
Moneyline
The Panthers (-225) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return, and that’s too much risk for not enough reward. While Florida has a lot on the line, and it paddled Columbus and Ottawa in recent games, the Sabres (+180) have not thrown in the towel, and will provide a stern test despite the fact they’re eliminated.
PASS.
Puck line/Against the spread
The PANTHERS -1.5 (+115) are a solid play on the puck line, although don’t get carried away. It might take an empty-net goal to get the job done late, and get this one across the finish line.
Florida has won 3 of its past 4 Games, and each of the victories are shutouts, and by at least 2 goals apiece.
Over/Under
The total came down from 6 to 5.5 Saturday morning, which took away a slight lean to the Under. The Panthers have the 3 shutouts in the past 4 games, and the Under is 5-2-1 in the past 8 outings, while the total has gone low at a 3-1-2 pace in the past 6 contests for the Sabres.
PASS.
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