Two teams squaring off for the second time this season, the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings take the ice at Little Caesars Arena in an Atlantic Division showdown. The action will get underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 17, and you’ll be able to catch it live on Sportsnet 360.
Buffalo Sabres at Detroit Red Wings Odds
The Red Wings are 9-10 straight up (SU) and have earned 0.6 units for moneyline bettors this year. That winning percentage, the third-best in the Atlantic Division in this young season, is a welcome improvement over the 33-49 record from last year’s regular season campaign. Out of the team’s 19 regular season contests, 10 of them have gone under the total, while nine have gone over and none have pushed. The team is 3-4 SU at home thus far.
Detroit has converted on 23.7 percent of its power play chances this season, a figure that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated eighth overall, and it’s successfully killed off 84.3 percent of all penalties.
As a team, Detroit has been penalized 4.7 times per game overall this season, 4.6 per game over its past five outings total, and 4.8 per game over its last five home outings. The team’s had to kill penalties for a whopping 14.8 minutes per game over its last 10 matchups, overall.
Averaging 29.6 saves per game with a .930 save percentage, Jimmy Howard (seven wins, seven losses, and one OT loss) has been the top option in goal for the Red Wings this season. If the Wings decide to give him the night off, however, the team may turn to Petr Mrazek (2-4-4 record, .911 save percentage, 2.98 goals against average).
The Wings will continue to lean on the leadership from Anthony Mantha and Dylan Larkin. Mantha (19 points) has produced 10 goals and nine assists and has recorded multiple points four times this year. Larkin has three goals and 15 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 12 contests.
Over on the other bench, Buffalo is 5-13 straight up (SU) and has lost 8.4 units for bettors taking the moneyline thus far. Through 18 regular season outings, nine of its games have gone over the total, while seven have gone under and just two have pushed. As the away team, Buffalo is 3-8 SU so far.
Buffalo has converted on 16.7 percent of its power play chances this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 15th overall and it’s successfully defended 81.1 percent of all penalties.
Buffalo’s players have been called for penalties only 3.6 times per game in total this season, 3.8 per game over their last five match ups total, and 3.0 per game over their last five games as the visiting team. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays just 7.3 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Robin Lehner (24.2 saves per game) has been the primary option in goal for Buffalo. Lehner has four wins, nine losses, and two overtime losses to his credit, while registering a .903 save percentage and 3.09 goals against average this year.
Leading the offensive attack for the visiting Sabres will be Evander Kane (10 goals, eight assists) and Jack Eichel (five goals, 11 assists).
Buffalo Sabres at Detroit Red Wings Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Red Wings, O/U – Over
Betting Notes
- The under has hit in three of Detroit’s last five outings.
- Power-play chances may prove to be key tonight. The Sabres are 2-5 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent and 5-9 in games where they’re in the box for fewer than 10 total penalty minutes. The Red Wings are 1-4 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than the opposition and 4-6 when they’re in the box for less than 10 minutes.
- Detroit skaters have averaged 5.6 takeaways per game over its last five home games, a drop-off from its season average of 6.7 takeaways per game (ranked 18th in the NHL).
- Buffalo has managed just 2.0 goals per game, while giving up 3.7, over its last three games (0-3 SU over that span).
- Buffalo skaters have averaged 4.2 takeaways per game over its last five road games, a drop-off from its season average of 5.5 takeaways per game (ranked 29th in the league).
