Seattle Kraken - Buffalo Sabres predictions and free betting tips [19/03/2024]

National Hockey League. Regular Championship 2023/2024. Second match of the game day and a face-off between two teams practically out of playoff chances. Sure, they still have the possibility to reach the coveted top eight, but the chances for this to happen in the remaining matches are slipping through their fingers. The Seattle Kraken will host the Buffalo Sabres on their home ground.

Seattle Kraken

The league's rookies, although being in their third NHL season, still feel like newcomers. Hence, we assess them as a new team still maximizing its potential and formulating a core lineup. They were unable to clone Vegas's draft expansion tricks and tbh picked quite average players. Now they are caught up in improving the situation. Their wild card standing is 6th, so realistically, they still have a chance at the playoffs, but that's about it. Last ten matches for Seattle resulted in four wins, five defeats in regular time and one overtime loss, that is less than half of the possible points. Currently, they are 11 points short of the playoff zone with 16 matches left in the regular series. Seattle's goal difference is -10, not a bad result, yet fitting for a team placed where Seattle currently is.

Buffalo Sabres

While with Seattle, we're still patiently waiting to witness the team's development due to its young age, The Buffalo crisis seems perpetual, can't remember their last playoff appearance. Unfortunately, they are not anywhere close now. Yes, sure, they managed to get off the last spot in the tournament table, but that's about the maximum Buffalo could afford now. They are five points behind the playoff zone, with one of the highest numbers of matches among the competitors. Last ten matches for Sabres resulted in five wins, four defeats in regular time and another loss in overtime, so they are really mediocre. As for the goal difference, Buffalo surprisingly achieved only -1, not bad for a team ranking as they do, proving once again, it's not as dire as it seemed. Regardless, there's very little belief in them making the playoffs as their rivals are in much better form at present.

Head-to-head

Between Seattle Kraken and Buffalo Sabres, there have been 5 matches, with all the victories secured by Seattle. This season, "Kraken" won 5:2.

Prediction

Betscity sees Kraken as the favourite with the odds of 2.40 for their victory, whereas Buffalo Sabres has the odds of 2.65. Personally, I'd bet on Buffalo, believing in their chance to clinch victory in this contest. However, it's quite risky.