Buffalo Sabres - Anaheim Ducks predictions and free betting tips [19/02/2024]

The Buffalo Sabres are set to host the Anaheim Ducks in a regular NHL Championship match.

Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres are grappling with challenges in their defensive zone after key defenders have been injured, leading to defender Rasmus Dahlin enduring a record 30:47 on ice during their recent 3:2 overtime victory against the Minnesota Wild. With these losses, Coach Don Granato emphasised that Dahlin can expect to bear more responsibility. Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson, who play critical roles in defense, are forced to miss a considerable number of games, leaving Dahlin and his teammates to compensate for the lost ice time.

Following a series of 24 wins and 26 losses this season, the Sabres managed to overcome the Wild in overtime, demonstrating the team's determination and cohesion. The game personified their perseverance when they equalised seconds before the end of the third period and netted the winning puck in overtime. The team's performance in this match reflected their ability to surmount obstacles and achieve results despite adversities.

In the offensive line, Casey Mittelstadt and JJ Peterka have stood out, making substantial contributions to the team's success. Mittelstadt, leading with 13 goals and 31 assists, and Peterka, who has netted 19 goals, have become key figures. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has proven his reliability in goal, with an average of 2.49 goals given away and a save percentage of 91.4, affirming his pivotal role in the team's composition.

Faced with injuries and uncertainties, the Sabres press ahead, overcoming challenges and demonstrating their determination in every game. Their hard work and resolve will be crucial to their aspirations for success in the remainder of the season.

Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks face a run of difficulties, their latest game against the Toronto Maple Leafs culminating in a 2:9 defeat, outlining a sharp decline following a 5:1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. This inconsistency has been a running theme for the Ducks since their 0:5 loss to the Montreal Canadiens marked the onset of their four-game tour. Anaheim coach Greg Cronin expressed disappointment at his team's lack of fight and dynamics against Toronto, stressing the contrast with the previous game against Ottawa, where the team demonstrated aggressiveness.

Anaheim's defenseman Radko Gudas didn't present himself in the best light against Toronto. He logged a season-high "-4" plus/minus stat and 9 penalty minutes, while Cronin accentuated the importance of Gudas’s abrasive style, adding value to his team.

Anaheim's forward Alex Killorn returned to the ice against the Maple Leafs after missing 9 matches due to knee surgery, clocking one assist at 18:43. With 19 wins and 33 losses, this season has proven to be a challenge for the Ducks as they strive to improve their performance. Frank Vatrano stands out as the team’s top scorer with 24 goals and 18 assists, while John Gibson remains a key netminder with 11 wins and 19 losses, posting an average of 3.07 goals conceded and a save percentage of 89.9.

Head-to-Head

Anaheim triumphed over Buffalo with a 4:2 score on January 24, 2024. Prior to that, on February 16, 2023, Anaheim suffered a defeat to Buffalo with a 3:7 scoreline. On January 21, 2023, Buffalo prevailed over Anaheim with a score of 6:3. In a December 8, 2021 game, Buffalo fell to Anaheim with a 0:2 scoreline. And on October 29, 2021, Anaheim lost to Buffalo in overtime with a 3:4 result.

Prediction for the Buffalo Sabres - Anaheim Ducks match

The Ducks, with a defeat allowing 9 goals, can hardly be favoured even in a fixture against the inconsistent Sabres who haven't been playing their best at home recently. I'm backing the Sabres, who managed to triumph over the Kings with a 7:0 score in their penultimate home game.