Buffalo Sabres vs Edmonton Oilers Picks and Predictions November 17th 2025

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Buffalo Sabres vs Edmonton Oilers Betting Preview

The Buffalo Sabres host the Edmonton Oilers at KeyBank Center in NHL Cup play. Buffalo enters at 6-8-4 after snapping a five-game skid with an OT win over Detroit, while Edmonton sits at 9-7-4 following a 4-3 overtime victory against Carolina. Bettors will weigh the Oilers’ star power against the Sabres’ resilience at home.

Line Movement and Odds

  • Oilers Puck Line: -1.5 (+159)
  • Sabres Puck Line: +1.5 (-194)
  • Oilers MoneyLine: -155
  • Sabres MoneyLine: +131
  • Total: 6.5 (Over -118, Under -103)

Edmonton opened as a road favorite, reflecting their offensive firepower and Buffalo’s inconsistency. See full NHL odds for market movement.

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Matchup Breakdown

Edmonton Oilers Outlook

Connor McDavid scored twice and added an assist in the win over Carolina, while Leon Draisaitl contributed a goal and two assists. Edmonton ranks 4th in goals (62) and 4th in power-play goals (16). Stuart Skinner stopped 33 shots, showing stability in net. Depth contributions from Jack Roslovic and Evan Bouchard help offset injuries to Kasperi Kapanen and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

Buffalo Sabres Outlook

Tage Thompson and Josh Doan each had a goal and an assist in the comeback win over Detroit, while Mattias Samuelsson scored the OT winner. Buffalo ranks 13th in blocks (283) and has a 5-4 division record. Alex Tuch and Thompson lead with 16 points each. Goaltender Colten Ellis earned his first career point and made 24 saves in the victory, providing a spark for the Sabres.

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

The Oilers must continue leveraging McDavid and Draisaitl’s production while maintaining defensive discipline. The Sabres need Thompson and Tuch to drive offense and Ellis to hold steady in net. Special teams and depth scoring will be decisive factors.

Injuries / Availability

Edmonton lists Kasperi Kapanen (undisclosed) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (undisclosed) as out.

Buffalo lists Zach Benson (undisclosed), Jiri Kulich (undisclosed), Josh Norris (upper body), and Jason Zucker (illness) as out, with Michael Kesselring (leg) doubtful. See the Sabres injury page for latest updates.

Environment

The game tips at KeyBank Center, where Buffalo is 4-3-2 at home. Edmonton is in the middle of a seven-game road trip, testing their stamina. Expect pace to favor the Oilers’ transition game, while Buffalo leans on physical play to stay competitive.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Oilers 4, Sabres 3

  • Best Bet: Oilers MoneyLine -155
    Edmonton’s offensive depth and star power give them the edge despite Buffalo’s home ice.
  • Total: Over 6.5 (-118)
    Our model projects 7 goals, leaning over given both teams’ offensive momentum.

Edmonton’s stars should carry them to another win, but Buffalo’s urgency makes this a competitive contest. Expect a high-scoring game that trends over the total.

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