The KeyBank Center is the site for an intriguing clash as the Los Angeles Kings travel across the country to face the Buffalo Sabres. It’s the final time that these two clubs will go at it in the regular season. Fox Sports West will showcase this cross-country matchup, which gets underway at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21.
Los Angeles Kings at Buffalo Sabres Odds
Moneyline odds have not yet been posted for this matchup.
The Sabres are 16-20 straight-up (SU) and have not been kind to moneyline bettors (to the tune of -0.8 units) thus far. That early-season winning percentage isn’t too far off from to the 33-49 record the team managed during the 2018-19 season campaign. Through 36 regular season contests, 19 of the team’s games have gone over the total, while 16 have gone under and none have pushed. The team’s 10-6 SU at home this year.
Buffalo has converted on 19.8 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 29th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 74.1 percent of all penalties.
As a team, Buffalo has been called for penalties 3.4 times per game overall this season, and 2.8 per game over its last ten games. The team has had to stave off opponent power plays for just 5.6 minutes per game over its last 10 outings, overall.
Averaging 30.4 saves per game with a .913 save percentage, Linus Ullmark (10 wins, 10 losses, and three OT losses) has been the primary goalkeeper for the Sabres this season. If they, however, choose to give him the day off, Buffalo could turn to Carter Hutton (6-10-10 record, .894 save percentage, 3.23 goals against average).
Jack Eichel and Victor Olofsson will each be focal points for the Sabres. Eichel (50 points) has produced 24 goals and 26 assists and has recorded multiple points in 14 different games this year. Olofsson has 15 goals and 18 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 25 contests.
In the other locker room, Los Angeles is 15-22 straight up (SU) and has lost 2.1 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. A total of 18 of its games have gone under the total, while 16 have gone over and just two have pushed. As an away team, Los Angeles is 5-15 SU so far.
Los Angeles has converted on just 12.9 percent of its power play chances this season, a figure that’s ranked 31st in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 29th overall and it’s successfully killed off 73.9 percent of all penalties.
Los Angeles’ skaters have been penalized 3.5 times per game this season, 4.0 per game over their past five games total, and 4.0 per game over their last five road outings. The team’s had to kill penalties 9.2 minutes per contest over their last five road games.
Jonathan Quick (25.5 saves per game) has been the primary option in goal for Los Angeles. Quick has 10 wins, 14 losses, and two OT losses to his credit, and has registered a .893 save percentage and 3.05 goals against average this year.
Anze Kopitar (14 goals, 18 assists) will lead the offensive attack for the visiting Kings.
Los Angeles Kings at Buffalo Sabres Free Picks
Prediction: SU Winner – Sabres, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- Buffalo’s attempted 30.5 shots per game overall this season (ranked 23rd in the NHL), and 33.8 in their last five home games.
- The Sabres are 6-5 SU in games where they serve more penalty minutes than their opponent while the Kings are 6-9 SU when they spend more time in the box than their opponent.
- Buffalo has averaged 3.2 takeaways per game over its last five home games, a drop-off from its season average of 5.1 takeaways per game (ranked 31st).
- Los Angeles skaters have created 6.2 takeaways per game over its last five road games, an improvement over its season average of 5.4 takeaways per game (ranked 29th in the NHL).
