NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Game Preview Buffalo Sabres @ New Jersey Devils
The Buffalo Sabres head to Prudential Center to take on the New Jersey Devils in an Eastern Conference matchup on December 21 that could have long-term playoff implications. While both teams entered the season with high expectations, they’ve followed very different paths to this point.
Buffalo continues its rebuild behind a young core featuring Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson, showing offensive flashes but struggling to find consistency in goal. New Jersey, meanwhile, is a serious contender, boasting an elite top-six forward group and one of the most aggressive offensive systems in the league.
This game offers both pace and firepower, with plenty of angles for bettors to analyze—especially given how both teams match up on special teams and in net.
Get more NHL betting breakdowns on the NHL picks page at ScoresAndStats.
Follow Winning Trends Across Every League
The Smartest Way to Bet Daily
Odds and Key Information
New Jersey opened as a -165 favorite at home, while Buffalo entered the market around +145. The total is posted at 6.5, reflecting both teams’ scoring upside and defensive inconsistencies.
Stay updated on sharp money movement and latest totals via the NHL odds feed.
Buffalo Sabres Outlook
The Sabres enter this contest looking to find their footing after a slow start to the season. The talent is there—Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner, and Dylan Cozens give Buffalo offensive firepower—but they’ve struggled in transition defense and between the pipes.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has taken the majority of starts in net but ranks below league average in save percentage and goals saved above expected. Defensive zone coverage remains a concern, particularly against fast, puck-moving teams like New Jersey.
Buffalo’s penalty kill is also an issue, sitting in the bottom third of the league. Against a Devils team that draws a high number of penalties and thrives on the man advantage, discipline will be crucial.
To track Buffalo’s outlook in the standings, check the NHL Atlantic Division Odds Predictions blog.
New Jersey Devils Outlook
The Devils continue to surge behind one of the NHL’s most dynamic forward groups. Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier have driven scoring chances at an elite rate, and their power play remains among the league’s most efficient.
New Jersey leads the league in high-danger scoring chances and ranks top three in shot attempts per game. They generate offense through puck possession, crisp passing, and excellent zone entries. However, injuries on the blue line and up-and-down goaltending have created vulnerability in their own zone.
Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid have split time in net, with mixed results. When New Jersey loses, it’s usually due to breakdowns off the rush or poor rebound control.
See where the Devils rank in long-term playoff potential in the Stanley Cup Odds Predictions guide.
Key Matchup
Buffalo’s offense versus New Jersey’s defensive zone rotations will be key. If the Sabres can enter the zone cleanly and create traffic in front of the net, they could find success against a shaky Devils goaltending tandem.
New Jersey will look to stretch Buffalo’s defense through speed and lateral puck movement. The Sabres must clog passing lanes and avoid stick penalties—something they’ve struggled with against top-tier teams.
This type of matchup analysis is covered in more detail in the Concise Guide to Hockey Betting.
Betting Trends
The Sabres are just 3-7 in their last 10 road games and have allowed 4 or more goals in five of those contests. The over has cashed in four of their last five games.
The Devils are 6-2 in their last eight home games and 5-1 in their last six against teams from the Atlantic Division. The total has gone over in seven of their last ten games overall.
Use the Alternate Total Points guide to understand how to turn trends like these into betting edges.
Predictions
This is a difficult spot for Buffalo. Their penalty kill and goaltending inconsistencies make them vulnerable against a fast-paced, high-possession team like New Jersey. If the Sabres can’t control the neutral zone and stay out of the penalty box, they’ll have trouble keeping this game close.
Expect the Devils to dictate tempo, draw penalties, and capitalize on second-chance opportunities. Buffalo will need a standout performance from Luukkonen or they risk getting buried early.
Predicted score: New Jersey Devils 5, Buffalo Sabres 3
Best bet: Devils -1.5
Total lean: Over 6.5
You can compare this game with others on the daily slate using the NHL expert betting guide.
Access the Top Sports Picks in Real Time
Never Miss a Winning Edge Again
Why You Need Expert Picks
Betting NHL requires more than just stats. Line movement, injury updates, and goalie confirmations all shift value in real time. That’s why expert insights on the Handicappers Leaderboard are essential for long-term bettors.
Boost your strategy with fundamental guides like How to Bet on NHL Games, What Is a Unit in Betting, and What Is Moneyline in Betting.
For advanced insights, explore Live Betting Tactics, Parlay Strategy, and Hedge Bets Explained.
