PNC Arena plays host to an Eastern Conference showdown as the Carolina Hurricanes welcome the visiting Buffalo Sabres. It’s the third and last time that the two clubs will meet in the regular season. This one gets going at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 23 and it’ll be broadcasted live on MSG Western New York.
Buffalo Sabres at Carolina Hurricanes Odds
Carolina is 15-19 straight up (SU) and has recorded -5.4 units for moneyline bettors thus far. That early-season winning percentage is right in line with the 36-46 record the team produced during last year’s regular season campaign. Of its 34 games this season, 16 have gone over the total, while another 16 have gone under and just two have pushed. The team is 7-7 SU at home this season.
The Hurricanes have converted on just 15.2 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s ranked 28th overall in the NHL. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated 28th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 76.7 percent of all penalties.
As a team, the Hurricanes have been penalized just 2.9 times per game overall this season, and 3.6 per game over their past five contests. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays for just 8.7 minutes per game over their last 10 outings, in total.
Sporting a .896 save percentage and 24.5 saves per game, Scott Darling (eight wins, 16 losses, and six OT losses) has been the best goalkeeper for the Canes this year. If Carolina decides to give him the night off, however, head coach Bill Peters may go with Cam Ward (7-4-4 record, .911 save percentage, 2.87 goals against average).
The Canes will continue to lean on the offensive production from Jeff Skinner and Teuvo Teravainen. Skinner (25 points) is up to 12 goals and 13 assists and has recorded multiple points on four separate occasions this year. Teravainen has eight goals and 17 assists to his credit and has notched at least one point in 15 games.
Buffalo is 9-26 straight up (SU) and has lost 18.3 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 35 regular season contests, 19 of its games have gone under the total, while 12 have gone over and just three have pushed. The Sabres are 4-14 SU as the road team this season.
The Sabres have converted on just 12.5 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that’s ranked 31st in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 13th overall and it’s successfully killed off 82.4 percent of all opponent power plays.
Buffalo’s skaters have been called for penalties 3.7 times per game this season, and 5.2 per game over their last five on the road. The team’s had to kill penalties just 7.0 minutes per game over their last five outings.
Robin Lehner (26.7 saves per game) has been the main option in the net for Buffalo. Lehner has eight wins, 19 losses, and four overtime losses to his credit, while registering a .915 save percentage and 2.73 goals against average this year.
Leading the offensive attack for the visiting Sabres will be Evander Kane (15 goals, 18 assists) and Jack Eichel (13 goals, 17 assists).
Buffalo Sabres vs. Carolina Hurricanes Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Hurricanes, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Trends
Carolina (3-3 in shootouts) has more shootout experience coming into this one. Buffalo fell short in its one shootout this season.
The total has gone under in three of Carolina’s last five games.
Buffalo has managed 28.0 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Carolina has been attempting 37.4 shots per game over its last five at home.
Buffalo skaters have accounted for the seventh-most hits in the league (23.4 per game).