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Buffalo vs Florida: NHL Match Preview and Prediction
On October 13, the Buffalo Sabres will aim to make amends to their fans after a rocky start to the regular season. This time, the Sabres will host the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, at their home arena. Can the Sabres stand up to such a formidable opponent? Keep reading for our predictions and betting insights.
Command Analysis
Buffalo Sabres
USACurrent Form
As expected, the Buffalo Sabres entered the regular season not in their best shape, suffering three consecutive defeats despite a strong preseason performance. In their opener, the Sabres faced off against the New Jersey Devils and failed to capitalize on their offensive potential, losing 1-4. Goalie Luukkonen struggled, stopping just 86% of the shots. In the rematch against the Devils, Buffalo encountered significant issues not with finishing their chances but creating them, registering only 18 shots on goal, and lost again 1-3. It is worth noting that Levi guarded the net in this game and displayed a much more reliable performance than his teammate.
Returning home, the Sabres had the opportunity to redeem themselves in front of their fans and earn their first points but once again struggled with scoring in their matchup against the Los Angeles Kings, finishing 1-3. The decisive factor was the high number of penalties, which disrupted Buffalo's game in the third period and allowed the opponent to gain an advantage.
Injuries and Suspensions
Buffalo continues to face roster challenges, as forwards Nicolas Aubé-Kubel and John-Jason Peterka will be unavailable for the upcoming game.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Buffalo is averaging only one goal per game
The Sabres are experiencing major scoring troubles, which is a key reason for their losses.
- The Sabres are averaging five penalties per game
Attention should also be given to the team's poor discipline, which continuously leads to penalties and goals conceded while short-handed.
Florida Panthers
USACurrent Form
The reigning champion Florida Panthers have managed to avoid significant losses during the offseason, although the departures of defensemen Montour and Ekman-Larsson leave them with tough gaps to fill. As a result, the Panthers nearly had to completely rebuild their fourth line. Thanks to retaining most of their core players, the team performed well in the preseason and started the regular season with a home victory over the Boston Bruins (6-4). In the opening period, the Panthers led by three goals and only strengthened their position as the game progressed. However, it is worth noting that goaltender Bobrovsky looked less than solid, saving only 85% of shots faced.
Unfortunately, the defending Stanley Cup champions couldn't maintain their momentum. While visiting Ottawa, they unexpectedly faced serious issues with scoring, leading to their first loss of the season at 1-3. Florida created numerous dangerous scoring chances, but the puck just wouldn't find the net.
Injuries and Suspensions
The Panthers have lineup concerns, with defenseman Adam Boqvist and forward Tomas Nosek currently sidelined, and Alexander Barkov's status remains uncertain.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Florida averaged 3.6 goals per game during the preseason
The Panthers showcased impressive offensive play during preseason training, consistently lighting up the scoreboard.
- The Panthers average 33.5 shots per game
This season, the Panthers continue to rely on their offensive line, generating numerous scoring opportunities against their opponents.
Trends
Bet 1st Goal: Buffalo
In four of the last five matchups, Buffalo scored the opening goal
2.02Bet Goal in Every Period - No
In four of the last five encounters, neither team scored in every period
2.44Tip and bets
Florida is entering the upcoming match as a clear favorite despite their struggles on the road, and there are several reasons for this. First, the team outmatches Buffalo in nearly every aspect and has not significantly weakened during the offseason, ensuring that this year the Panthers will consistently perform better than the Sabres. Second, the Sabres are not in optimal shape as they start the regular season, highlighted by their poor opening and three consecutive losses. Additionally, playing at home has not proven beneficial for coach Raff's squad. We believe the guests will capitalize on their strengths and secure a victory.
Our prediction is a win for Florida at 2.16
Total Goals Bet
Don't expect a high-scoring game in the upcoming matchup despite the teams' aggressive playing style. The Sabres are struggling with their scoring ability, and their previous encounters have not been particularly thrilling for fans in terms of goals.
Prediction - Total goals under 5.5 at 2.06
First Period Outcome Bet
In the first period, Buffalo consistently puts up a strong fight against their opponents and rarely allows them to gain an advantage early on.
Prediction - Buffalo to not lose in the first period at 1.50
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