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Avalanche vs Sabres Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche travel to face the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, October 13, 2025, at KeyBank Center in a holiday matinee matchup. Puck drop is scheduled for 12:30 PM ET on ESPN+.
Buffalo enters at 0-2-0 after a sluggish start that has coach Lindy Ruff calling out his team’s lack of effort. Following a 3-1 loss to the Bruins, Ruff criticized their “worst compete” of the year and challenged players to win more battles and skate with purpose. The Sabres have scored just one goal through two games, holding the league’s worst goal differential (−6).
Colorado (2-1-1) suffered its first loss in a 5-4 shootout against Dallas, but coach Jared Bednar praised it as the Avalanche’s “most dangerous offensive game of the year.” Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, and Artturi Lehkonen all scored, combining for seven points.
Buffalo will likely start Colten Ellis, who could make his NHL debut after Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was placed on injured reserve. Colorado may rest Scott Wedgewood and turn to backup Trent Miner after a busy opening stretch.
Line Movement and Odds
The Colorado Avalanche opened as −164 moneyline favorites, with the Buffalo Sabres listed at +136. The puck line sits at Avalanche −1.5 (+148) and Sabres +1.5 (−183), while the total is 6.5 goals, with the over priced at −108 and the under at −113.
Early market movement has leaned toward Colorado, as bettors expect a bounce-back effort after their shootout loss to Dallas. The Avalanche’s top line has been dominant, combining for 15 points through four games. Buffalo’s lack of scoring and defensive lapses have pushed most sharp action toward the Avs side.
The total has seen mild movement toward the over, reflecting Colorado’s strong offensive metrics and Buffalo’s leaky defense (3.5 goals allowed per game). For real-time market movement, visit the NHL Odds page.
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Matchup Breakdown
Colorado Avalanche Outlook:
Colorado enters with a 2-1-1 record and looks every bit like a contender in the Western Conference. Despite Saturday’s 5-4 shootout loss to Dallas, coach Jared Bednar called it the team’s “most dangerous offensive game of the year.” The top line of Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, and Artturi Lehkonen is producing elite numbers — all three scored against the Stars, combining for seven points.
The Avalanche’s defense has been sturdy as well, ranking among the league’s top five in blocked shots and hits. Scott Wedgewood (1.95 GAA, .925 SV%) has started every game, but Trent Miner could get the nod here with Mackenzie Blackwood still sidelined. Even with potential lineup rotation, Colorado’s depth gives them a clear edge against a struggling Buffalo attack.
Buffalo Sabres Outlook:
The Sabres’ 0-2-0 start has raised alarm bells, with coach Lindy Ruff openly criticizing his team’s effort. Buffalo has scored only one goal in two games — Jason Zucker’s lone tally against Boston — and has yet to convert a power-play opportunity in eight tries.
Defensively, Buffalo has been overextended, allowing 69 shots on goal through two games. With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen on injured reserve, goaltending duties fall to Alex Lyon (2.55 GAA, .919 SV%) or Colten Ellis, who could make his first NHL start. To have a chance, the Sabres must simplify play in their own zone and capitalize on limited scoring chances.
Key Factor:
If Buffalo can’t match Colorado’s pace and neutralize MacKinnon’s line early, this could get out of hand quickly. The Sabres’ penalty kill (66%) has struggled, and Colorado’s power play ranks top-10 in efficiency — a dangerous mix for a team still searching for chemistry.
Injuries and Conditions
Colorado Avalanche Injury Report
The Avalanche remain without goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (lower body), who didn’t travel for the two-game road trip. Backup Trent Miner could see his first start of the season if Scott Wedgewood rests. Colorado’s forward group is fully healthy, and coach Jared Bednar confirmed Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Necas will remain on the top line with Nathan MacKinnon. Check the Colorado Avalanche Injury Report for lineup confirmations before puck drop.
Buffalo Sabres Injury Report
Buffalo continues to miss starting goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (lower body, IR), forcing coach Lindy Ruff to split duties between Alex Lyon and newcomer Colten Ellis, who was claimed off waivers from St. Louis. Mattias Samuelsson (day-to-day) is expected to play after blocking a shot against Boston. Full player updates can be found on the Buffalo Sabres Injury Report.
Game Conditions:
The puck will drop inside KeyBank Center for Buffalo’s home opener. Temperatures and ice conditions are ideal, with no weather factors impacting play. Expect a fast pace and clean sheet, favoring Colorado’s speed and puck movement.
Best Bets and Prediction
Buffalo’s effort level and special teams have been major issues through the opening week, and coach Lindy Ruff’s public criticism suggests a frustrated locker room. The Sabres are averaging just 0.5 goals per game while allowing over three, and they’ve yet to score on the power play.
Colorado, meanwhile, has generated chances at will. The MacKinnon–Necas–Lehkonen line is clicking, and the Avalanche have scored 10 goals in their first four games. Even if Trent Miner starts in goal, Colorado’s offensive pace should be enough to control the game.
Buffalo’s physicality could keep it close early, but Colorado’s depth scoring — and top-line chemistry — make them the stronger play here.
- Projected Score: Avalanche 4, Sabres 3
- Best Bet: Avalanche Moneyline (−164)
- Secondary Lean: Over 6.5 goals (−108)
For more betting insights and expert hockey picks, check the NHL Picks page.
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