The United Center will be the site for an East-West clash as the Buffalo Sabres come into town to face the Chicago Blackhawks. NBC Sports Chicago will broadcast the game, and the puck drops at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, December 8.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Chicago Blackhawks Odds
Chicago enters the matchup as the heavy favorite with a -185 moneyline. The line for Buffalo sits at +160 and the oddsmakers have put the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals. The line for betting the total stands at -110 for the over and -110 for the under.
Producing 7.0 units for moneyline bettors, Chicago is 12-16 straight up (SU) overall this year. That early-season winning percentage is a regression from the 50-32 record that the team posted during last year’s regular season campaign. Of the team’s 28 regular season contests, 14 have gone under the total, while 13 have gone over and just one has pushed. The team’s 6-7 SU at home this year.
The Blackhawks have converted on just 15.7 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s ranked 30th overall in the NHL. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked eighth overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 83.0 percent of all penalties.
The Blackhawks, as a collective unit, have been whistled for penalties 4.0 times per game overall this season, and 2.8 per game over their last five contests home outings. The team has been forced to kill penalties for just 7.4 minutes per game over their last 10 outings, in total.
Sporting a .930 save percentage and 29.2 saves per game, Corey Crawford (11-10-2) has been the top option in goal for the Hawks this season. If the Hawks, however, decide to give him a rest, head coach Joel Quenneville might roll with Anton Forsberg (2-8-8 record, .906 save percentage, 3.32 goals against average).
The Hawks will continue seeking leadership via Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. Kane (27 points) has put up 10 goals and 17 assists and has recorded multiple points in six different games this year. DeBrincat has 11 goals and nine assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 13 contests.
On the other side of the rink, Buffalo is 7-21 straight up (SU) and has lost 14.3 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 28 regular season outings, 14 of its games have gone under the total, while 11 have gone over and just three have pushed. The Sabres are 4-11 SU as a road team this season.
The Sabres have converted on just 11.2 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that’s ranked 31st in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 17th overall and it’s successfully defended 80.5 percent of all penalties.
Buffalo’s skaters have been penalized 3.7 times per game this season, and 5.8 per game over their last five road outings. The team has had to kill penalties just 8.1 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Robin Lehner (.906 save percentage and 2.93 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for Buffalo. Lehner is averaging 24.8 saves per game and has six wins, 15 losses, and two OT losses to his credit.
Evander Kane (13 goals, 12 assists) and Jack Eichel (eight goals, 14 assists) have been the top playmakers for Buffalo and will pace the attack for the visiting Sabres.
Buffalo Sabres at Chicago Blackhawks Betting Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Blackhawks, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes
The under has hit in three of Chicago’s last five games.
Chicago has averaged 2.0 goals per game, while giving up 3.8, over its five-game losing streak.
Eight of Buffalo’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 2-6 in those games.
Buffalo skaters have accounted for the league’s 10th-most hits per game (22.8).
