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St. Louis Blues vs. Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
After five straight overtime games, the Buffalo Sabres are hunting for a regulation win when they host the St. Louis Blues on Thursday at KeyBank Center. Buffalo has earned points in seven straight games (3-0-4), but it wants to finish the job in 60 minutes.
Goaltender Alex Lyon has kept the Sabres competitive, allowing two or fewer goals in four of his last five starts. Buffalo continues to fight through injuries to Josh Norris, Zach Benson, and Jason Zucker, yet rookies Noah Ostlund and Isak Rosen have stepped up under coach Lindy Ruff.
The Blues arrive on the second leg of a back-to-back after a 6-1 loss in Washington. They’ve dropped six of their last seven, with coach Jim Montgomery calling the effort “unacceptable” after that defeat. St. Louis needs a quick turnaround to stop a 1-6-2 skid.
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Line Movement and Odds
At most books listed on the NHL odds page, Buffalo opened at -130 on the moneyline and moved to -137, while St. Louis sits around +113. The total opened at 6.5 goals, leaning slightly to the Over (+100).
Public money leans toward Buffalo after its home success, but sharper bettors have sprinkled on the Blues’ value price on the road. The Sabres have hit the Under in six of their last ten, suggesting a more defensive pace than the line implies.
Matchup Breakdown
Buffalo’s biggest edge lies in puck control and goaltending. The Sabres rank in the league’s top ten in blocked shots and power-play conversions, thanks to steady play from Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson’s resurgence.
St. Louis still relies on physicality, ranking fourth in total hits, but its penalty kill has struggled during the recent slump. Pius Suter and Jordan Kyrou are the offensive spark plugs, combining for nine goals, yet the team’s 3.5 goals-against average tells the story.
If Lyon holds steady and Buffalo maintains discipline, the Sabres should dictate tempo at home.
Injuries and Conditions
Buffalo Sabres
- Josh Norris (upper body) – Out
- Zach Benson (lower body) – Out
- Jason Zucker (illness) – Out
- Jiri Kulich (medical) – Questionable
- Tyson Kozak (lower body) – Probable return
See the full Sabres injury report
St. Louis Blues
- Torey Krug (ankle) – Out
- Jake Neighbours (leg) – Out
- Zach Dean (personal) – Out
View the Blues injury report
No weather concerns for this indoor matchup at KeyBank Center.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Buffalo has been the more consistent team, especially at home. The Sabres are 4-1 straight up in their last five and 2-1 on the puckline over the last three. St. Louis, meanwhile, has hit the Over in seven of its past ten but continues to struggle defensively.
Projected Score: Buffalo 4, St. Louis 3
Best Bet: Sabres moneyline (-137)
Secondary Lean: Over 6.5 goals (+100)
ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
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