Devils vs Sabres Odds, Predictions and Picks for Friday (Mar 24)
- New Jersey Devils eye the top of the Metropolitan Division standings when they visit the Buffalo Sabres
- New Jersey has lost three of four while the Sabres have lost eight of nine
- Read on for all the odds and trends ahead of Friday night’s matchup at KeyBank Center
The Buffalo Sabres look to snap a four-game losing streak and rekindle their rapidly fading playoff hopes when they play host to the New Jersey Devils in Friday NHL action.
The Sabres have tumbled out of the playoff hunt while losing eight of their past nine, and have surrendered 59 goals per game while falling to defeat in five straight on home ice. The Devils travel to Western New York on the heels of Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the visiting Minnesota Wild which marks their fourth defeat in five games. Despite their current swoon, the Devils remain within two points of first-place Carolina in the Metropolitan Division standings.
Start time is set for 7:00pm ET at KeyBank Center, with all the action televised on MSG and MSG-Buffalo.
Devils vs Sabres Odds
| Game Time (ET) | Team | Puck Line | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, March 24th | New Jersey Devils | -1.5 (+145) | O 7 (+115) | -170 |
| 7:00pm | Buffalo Sabres | +1.5 (-170) | U 7 (-135) | +145 |
The Devils arrive in Buffalo perched as -170 favorites in the Friday night NHL odds. The Sabres are a long +145 bet to end their losing slide, and the total is listed at 7, with strong -130 odds favoring the UNDER.
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook on March 23, 2023.
Devils vs Sabres Recent History
Friday night’s matchup marks the second of three scheduled meetings this season between these Eastern Conference rivals. The Devils claimed a 3-1 win when they visited the Sabres on November 25, and have now claimed victory in six of eight head-to-head dates, as well as each of their past five in Buffalo.
Seven or more total goals have been scored in five of their past eight matchups, giving the OVER a slight 5-3 edge in totals betting.
New Jersey Devils Betting Outlook
The Devils have not helped their chances of claiming their first divisional title since 2010. However, all is not lost for this team, which has earned at least a point in 11 of 14 outings. After struggling to contain opposing shooters during a three-game slide that featured consecutive home dates with Tampa Bay, allowing four goals per game, the Devils have rediscovered their defensive touch.
With Vitek Vanecek in the crease, the Devils have given up just four totals during their current 1-0-1 run. Indeed, New Jersey deserved a better result after outshooting the Wild by a wide 48-29 margin in Tuesday’s 2-1 overtime loss.
We'll call this a Bratt-trick. 😁
Jesper Bratt records his first career @Enterprise hat trick in a comeback victory for the @NJDevils! pic.twitter.com/7fELpe7X8G
— NHL (@NHL) March 20, 2023
Jesper Bratt has enjoyed a pair of solid outings this week. The Swedish winger recorded a hat trick in Sunday’s 5-2 road win over the Lightning, and added an assist in Tuesday’s meeting with Minnesota.
However, this club could get a lift from Jack Hughes ending his current scoring drought. Hughes has failed to score in five straight games and has potted just one marker in 12 games this month, but has recorded two goals and four points in his past two appearances against Buffalo.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Outlook
After enjoying a promising five-game stretch that lifted them into the playoff conversation, the Sabres’ season has quickly come undone during their current 2-8-2 swoon. The Sabres have allowed seven goals in each of their past two games, and 6.50 goals per game over their past four on home ice. Neither veteran Craig Anderson nor Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been spared grief in the crease.
Anderson has been rocked for 11 goals on just 42 total shots over his past starts while Luukkonen has given up 11 goals on 64 shots in his past two. However, it must be noted that the young Finn has made 35 or more saves in three of his five starts this month.
It’s a shame we most likely won’t get to see Tage Thompson in the playoffs
— Drew Livingstone (@ProducerDrew_) March 22, 2023
Leading scorer Tage Thompson finally snapped an eight-goal scoring drought with one marker in Tuesday’s lopsided 7-3 loss to Nashville, but this team needs far more production out of the towering winger if they are to mount a late-season rally.
Victor Olofsson has also cooled off since filling the net in January. Olofsson went goalless throughout the month of February, but has shown signs of a turnaround with three goals and four points in his past five outings.
Devils vs Sabres Prediction
The Devils have found the ideal time to make a return trip to Buffalo. The Sabres should provide a tonic for a New Jersey squad in need of a dominating offensive performance. However, the Devils must find a way to overcome slow starts that have left them scoreless in first-period action over their past four outings if they are to make an offensive breakthrough.
The Pick: Devils -1.5 (+145); UNDER 7 (-135)
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Daniel has been writing about sports and sports betting for over 23 years. The seasoned pro has contributed to the likes of Sports Illustrated, Sportsnet, NESN, Bleacher Report, OddsShark, the Globe and Mail, and The Nation magazine.
