Edmonton Oilers vs. Buffalo Sabres Prediction, NHL Odds
Edmonton continues their trip through the Eastern Conference with a stop in Buffalo Friday night. It’s a quick turnaround for the Oilers after they downed the Bruins 5-3 in Boston on Thursday. The Sabres have come back to reality after a surprisingly strong start to the year and come into Friday riding a five-game losing streak.
Edmonton is a -176 favourite to win on the NHL odds, with a a total of 6.0.
Oilers vs. Sabres NHL Betting Odds
These teams have generally played close games against each other, with their last three meetings being decided by a single goal. Buffalo swept the last season series (2019-20), winning both games 3-2 in overtime. Sports Interaction bettors don’t have faith that trend will continue, as 85 per cent of action is taking the Oilers and 83 per cent is taking the Over.
Edmonton’s 10-2 mark on the season represents one of their best starts in years. They’re 5-1 in their last six games overall and 4-1 on the road this year. The Oilers are an even 6-6 against the spread, covering in three of five road games. High scoring games have been a trend for Edmonton. They’ve hit the Over eight times this season, including four of their last five games.
If there’s one positive the Sabres can take into this game, it’s their record in Buffalo. They’re 4-1-1 at home compared to just 1-4-1 on the road. Dating back to last season, the Sabres have won seven of their last nine home games. Buffalo is 7-5 ATS this year, covering in four of six home games. The total has gone Over in five of the Sabres’ last six games.
Edmonton Oilers
Early on, it’s looking like the NHL points race will come down to two Oilers’ teammates again this year. Leon Draisaitl’s three-point night (2G, 1A) against Boston helped him overtake Connor McDavid for the league-lead. Draisaitl is up to 26 points (12G, 14A) in 12 games. McDavid finished with one assist against the Bruins, extending his season-opening point streak to 12 games. Edmonton’s captain is second in the NHL with 24 points (9G, 15A). Draisaitl and McDavid are on pace for 178 and 164 points respectively, this season.
After Mikko Koskinen got the start on Thursday, the Oilers are expected to give rookie Stuart Skinner his third career start. Skinner did have one start last season, earning the win despite giving up five goals. In his only start this year, Skinner allowed three goals on 38 shots in a losing effort.
Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo extended their losing streak with a 5-3 loss in Washington on Monday. Cody Eakin, Anders Bjork and Collin Miller had the goals for the Sabres. Dustin Tokarski stopped 25 of 30 shots faced, for his fifth loss in five starts. Tokarski has struggled this year, posting a 3.10 goals-against average and .902 save percentage. Veteran Craig Anderson has been sidelined with an upper-body injury and he’s expected to return to the lineup either tonight against Edmonton, or tomorrow against Toronto. Anderson has outplayed Tokarski and will be the No. 1 goalie when he returns to the lineup. The 40-year-old is 4-2-0 on the year, with a 2.50 GAA and .921 SV.
The Sabres’ offence is led by Rasmus Asplund and Victor Olofsson. Asplund leads the team with 10 points (4G, 6A) in 12 games. Olofsson has nine points in eight games, including a team-high five goals.
EDM
BUF