Chicago Blackhawks (12-29-2) vs. Buffalo Sabres (18-21-4)
As the NHL season progresses, the clash between the struggling Chicago Blackhawks and the somewhat steadier Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, is garnering attention in the world of hockey free picks. The Blackhawks, with a record of 12-29-2, face off against the Sabres, who stand at 18-21-4, in this regular-season encounter. The game promises to be an intriguing matchup, considering the contrasting fortunes of the two teams this season.
Nick Foligno and Philipp Kurashev have been key members of the Chicago Blackhawks’ offense this season, scoring 17 and 23 points respectively in 39 games apiece for Chicago. While these results may not reflect well against an inconsistent Sabres defense, their performance could prove decisive to winning games against Buffalo.
On the other hand, Casey Mittelstadt and Rasmus Dahlin have led an extremely productive Buffalo Sabres offense this season, scoring 35 points across 43 games while contributing 34 more from defense. Both are essential in keeping Buffalo competitive – they will be tested when facing off against Chicago Blackhawks’ resilient yet vulnerable defensive setup.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Buffalo Sabres Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Prudential Center |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Petr Mrazek vs. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Petr Mrazek of the Chicago Blackhawks has experienced a difficult season at goaltender, as evidenced by his goals-against average of 3.13 over 29 games. Mrazek will play an integral role in this upcoming matchup by counteracting Buffalo Sabres offensive attack which can exploit any flaws on defense by the Blackhawks.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres has shown impressive potential, boasting a 2.91 goals-against average over 21 games. His steady goaltending will be critical against Chicago Blackhawks’ offensive line; though not renowned for their offensive prowess, their offensive threats such as Jason Dickinson with an astounding 21.2% shooting percentage pose significant threats.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As betting lines have not yet been determined for this matchup, it’s essential that fans monitor odds as soon as they become available. Although the Sabres might hold the edge in terms of overall records and win-loss records, Blackhawks can prove unpredictable enough to keep betting lines unpredictable; when placing bets bettors should also consider individual matchups and recent form.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Trends
The Chicago Blackhawks’ recent form has been quite mixed, as evidenced by a 3-3 record both outright and against the spread over their last five games both outright and against the spread. Their road game performance against the spread stands at 8-15; bettors may prefer higher scoring affairs when betting on these matchups as 8 out of 20 home games have seen totals go over.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Trends
The Sabres, who have posted an uneven record over their last five games with a 2-3 record and are 3-2-1 against the spread, have performed better when traveling than when at home, with 14-8 record against the spread in road games alone; one out of 5 total going OVER suggests lower-scoring games that could influence over/under bets.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Buffalo Sabres 1/17/24 Betting Picks
Given their current forms and statistics, the Blackhawks-Sabres matchup should be closely contested. Although the Sabres appear to hold the upper hand at this time, don’t underestimate their opponent. Bettors should carefully monitor goaltender performance as well as trends among both teams when making their selections.
Betting wise, the Sabres may be the safer pick given their improved overall performance and road game record. But prop bets involving individual player performances such as goals or assists from team leaders could provide interesting avenues. Furthermore, betting on total score might offer value if oddsmakers expect a low scoring game.
For those engaging in NHL betting and seeking the best online casino experience, this game presents several intriguing options. Bettors might consider placing bets on the moneyline for the Sabres, exploring over/under totals based on the teams’ scoring trends, and looking into prop bets around key players like Casey Mittelstadt or Jason Dickinson. As always, it’s important to consider all available data and trends before placing bets, ensuring a well-informed and strategic approach to sports bettin
Free Pick and Prediction: Buffalo Sabres 3, Chicago Blackhawks 2
