Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks 1/17/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Game Preview
The Buffalo Sabres will be facing off against the Chicago Blackhawks in an exciting NHL matchup at the United Center in Chicago, IL on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 8:30 PM ET. The Buffalo Sabres (21-19-2) are looking to bounce back after suffering their fourth loss in their last five games (1-4-0) at 4-1 to the Florida Panthers at home. Despite the recent home slide, the team’s only goal in that game came from Alex Tuch (21 goals, 46 points this season), and even let up an empty netter with 1:38 left on the clock. Despite the home struggles, the Sabres are still a formidable 6-1-0 in their most recent seven road games.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, the goalie for the Buffalo Sabres, had a strong performance today, making 30 saves to improve his record to 10-5-1 overall, with a 3.41 GAA and a .897 save percentage. However, due to his mixed history against the Chicago Blackhawks, going 1-1-0 (3.50 GAA; .883 save percentage) and 7-5-4 (3.46 GAA; .906 save percentage) respectively. Eric Comrie (4-8-0 with a 3.67 GAA and a .883 save percentage) or Craig Anderson (7-6-1 with a 2.70 GAA and a .921 save percentage) will likely be in the crease for the Buffalo Sabres in the upcoming match against the Chicago Blackhawks.
- The Sabres are 4-15 SU in their last 19 matches with the Blackhawks.
- The Buffalo Sabres are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road.
- Buffalo is 1-10 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Chicago.
Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks 1/17/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Game Preview
Meanwhile, The Chicago Blackhawks (11-26-4) had their three-game winning streak abruptly halted with a crushing 8-5 defeat by the Seattle Kraken at the United Center on Saturday. This loss marks the 22nd defeat in their last 27 games (5-21-1) and it was a tough game for the Hawks. They allowed six goals in the opening period, including five in a span of just 3:41. Taylor Raddysh (12 goals, 19 points this season) provided a glimmer of hope with a snipe and 2 assists, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The team also had Patrick Kane (8 goals, 28 points) back in action after a three-game absence due to a lower-body injury, he contributed with a goal and had a game-high 7 shots on goal. Seth Jones (2 goals, 16 points) also added to the offense with 3 assists.
During the first 12 minutes of the game, the Chicago Blackhawks’ goalie Petr Mrazek (3-10-1 on the year with a 4.26 GAA and a .875 save percentage) struggled, allowing four goals on just five shots before being pulled and replaced by Alex Stalock (6-6-1 on the season with a 2.70 GAA and a .918 save percentage), who went on to make 21 saves. Mrazek has had a relatively successful career against the Buffalo Sabres with a record of 6-5-1, a 3.09 GAA and a .893 save percentage. On the other hand, Stalock has a 1-1-0 career record against Buffalo with an impressive 1.52 GAA and a .935 save percentage.
- The total went OVER in 5 of Chicago’s last 7 matches with the Sabres.
- Chicago is 10-1 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against Buffalo.
- Chicago is 1-7 SU in their last 8 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks. The NHL pick for this game is the Chicago Blackhawks. Despite the Blackhawks’ current struggles, it is difficult to overlook them as a +150 underdog in this matchup. Historically, the Chicago Blackhawks have had a strong record against the Buffalo Sabres, with an astounding 16 victories in the last 21 matches between the two teams. Additionally, they have posted an impressive 10 wins in their last 11 matchups in Chicago. The Blackhawks have also been on a roll, winning three of their last four home games despite having a generally underwhelming season. On the other hand, Buffalo has struggled in the second match of back-to-backs, with 121 losses out of 171 times. Based on this, it is predicted that the Chicago Blackhawks will come out on top with a score of 5-3.
NHL Starting Time: 8:30 PM (EDT)
Location: United Center, IL
Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2023
TV: NSCH
NHL Odds: Buffalo Sabres -157
NHL Totals: 6.5
