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Buffalo Sabres vs Carolina Hurricanes Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres host the Carolina Hurricanes at KeyBank Center in Sunday NHL action. Carolina enters at 14-5-2 atop the Eastern Conference, while Buffalo sits at 8-9-4 but has won three of its last four. Bettors will weigh the Hurricanes’ consistency against the Sabres’ recent offensive surge at home.
Line Movement and Odds
- Hurricanes Puck Line: -1.5 (+135)
- Sabres Puck Line: +1.5 (-165)
- Hurricanes MoneyLine: -182
- Sabres MoneyLine: +153
- Total: 6.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
Carolina opened as road favorites, reflecting their elite record and Buffalo’s inconsistency. See full NHL odds for market movement.
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Matchup Breakdown
Carolina Hurricanes Outlook
Jordan Staal scored twice in the 4-3 win at Winnipeg, while Seth Jarvis added his team-leading 11th goal. Sebastian Aho has 17 goals and 14 assists in 23 career games against Buffalo, consistently producing against the Sabres. Carolina ranks first in shots on goal (711) and has won seven one-goal games this season. Their goaltending trio of Pyotr Kochetkov, Brandon Bussi, and Frederik Andersen has combined for a 2.81 GAA, providing stability in net.
Buffalo Sabres Outlook
Buffalo routed Chicago 9-3, with Josh Doan scoring twice, Jason Zucker adding three points, and Alex Tuch dishing four assists. Tage Thompson has scored in five straight games, totaling eight points in that span. Buffalo has scored five or more goals in three of its last four games, showing improved offensive depth. Seven of their eight wins have come at home, making KeyBank Center a crucial advantage.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
The Hurricanes must rely on Aho and Jarvis to drive offense while maintaining defensive discipline. The Sabres need Thompson and Tuch to continue their hot streaks and capitalize on home ice. Special teams and goaltending will be decisive in this Eastern Conference clash.
Injuries / Availability
Carolina lists Jesperi Kotkaniemi (lower body), Charles-Alexis Legault (hand), and Jaccob Slavin (undisclosed) out. For full player status, check the Hurricanes injury report.
Buffalo lists Zach Benson (undisclosed), Justin Danforth (lower body), Michael Kesselring (leg), Jiri Kulich (undisclosed), and Josh Norris (upper body) out. See the Sabres injury page for latest updates.
Environment
The game tips at KeyBank Center, where Buffalo is 7-4 at home. Carolina is 7-3-1 on the road but has struggled in Buffalo, going 0-3-1 since 2023. Expect a physical, high-tempo contest with playoff implications for both teams.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Hurricanes 4, Sabres 2
- Best Bet: Hurricanes MoneyLine (-182)
Carolina’s offensive depth and shot volume make them the safer play. - Total: Under 6.5 (-110)
Our model projects six goals, leaning under given both teams’ recent goaltending form.
Carolina’s consistency and Aho’s production should secure the win, while Buffalo’s home ice keeps it competitive. Expect a controlled game trending under the total.
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