Buffalo Sabres vs. Winnipeg Jets Prediction, NHL Odds
Friday night in the NHL brings a matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and Winnipeg Jets. While there may not be an extreme rivalry between these two intra-conference teams, they are each desperate for points as they are riding their own cold streak.
These teams met less than a week ago in Buffalo, in a surprising and dominant 5-1 win by the Sabres. Will they sweep the season series, or can the Jets get even on home ice?
Winnipeg is a -135 favourite to win on the NHL odds, with the total set at 6.5.
Sabres vs. Jets NHL Betting Odds
Against the spread (ATS), the Winnipeg Jets are 12-14, while the Buffalo Sabres are 12-15. Within the game totals, Winnipeg is 14-12-0 to the Over, while Buffalo is 13-12-2. In their last five matchups, the Jets are 3-2-0, but the Sabres have won two straight.
Winnipeg is the slight favourite in this game; Kyle Connor (+130) and Mark Scheifele (+140) have the shortest odds to score. If you’d rather back a Buffalo goalscorer, you can bet on Tage Thompson (+150) or Josh Norris (+235) to light the lamp.
Buffalo Sabres
Troubling times continue for the Buffalo Sabres, as they carry a poor record of 11-12-4 and sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with 26 points. They also face the threat of finishing last overall in the NHL, as they are just three points away.
Each year, things are expected to go much differently. Heading into the 2025-26 season, confidence was high with the likes of Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch leading the way, with young and exciting talent being inserted. However, this excitement has quickly gone down the drain.
The team is healthy with just Michael Kesserling out, and even though they beat Winnipeg 5-1 on December 1, I think this will be a difficult matchup. They are on the road for the second time and will face a team starving for quick payback.
Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets entered the season with high expectations within the locker room and throughout the NHL. They started strong, but have really taken a step back. They are 1-5-1 in their last six games, and they need to return to the win column sooner rather than later. However, they are on home ice for the first time since November 23, which could be a good boost for the team.
They are still fine with two games in hand and two points away from the second wildcard spot, but this team should be competing for the top of the division. I think urgency will take over in their game, providing a full effort, especially against a beatable team that obliterated them just days ago. Star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck remains out with an injury, but their forwards and defence remain intact. There are no excuses for this team.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Sabres vs. Jets?
Both teams desperately need a win, but only one will leave happy; I believe the Winnipeg Jets will defend home ice. They are far overdue for a good stretch of hockey and should be playing with urgency and determination to return the favour after losing to Buffalo a few days ago.
The home crowd, coaches, and players will all demand a lot from each other, and I think this will translate to a 4-2 win for the Winnipeg Jets.
BUF
WIN