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Buffalo Sabres vs Ottawa Senators Betting Preview
Two Eastern Conference teams in need of a reset meet Wednesday night as the Ottawa Senators visit the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. The Senators (1-2-0) will be without captain Brady Tkachuk, who’s expected to miss at least a month with a hand injury, while the Sabres (0-3-0) are still searching for their first win of the season. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+.
Ottawa, coached by Travis Green, is looking to bounce back from a 4-1 loss to Nashville, while Buffalo, under Lindy Ruff, has managed just two goals through three games. Both teams are eager to reverse early-season trends in what shapes up to be a tightly contested Atlantic Division matchup.
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Line Movement and Odds
The Ottawa Senators open as slight favorites at -120 on the moneyline, with the Buffalo Sabres priced at +101. The puck line sits at Ottawa -1.5 (+199) and Buffalo +1.5 (-249). The total for the game is set at 6.0 goals, with both sides near even money.
The line reflects a modest edge for Ottawa, largely based on their higher offensive production and improved defensive structure, despite losing Brady Tkachuk. Buffalo’s 0-3 start and early scoring struggles have made them a home underdog, but market movement has been light — suggesting bettors see this as a close matchup between two teams still finding their footing.
For updated numbers, market shifts, and live betting data, check the NHL odds page.
Senators vs Sabres Matchup Breakdown
Ottawa enters this matchup looking to recover from a 4-1 defeat to the Nashville Predators — a game where missed opportunities proved costly. The Senators’ offense showed promise earlier in their 5-4 win over the Lightning, but the loss of captain Brady Tkachuk creates a leadership and scoring void. Head coach Travis Green emphasized puck management and physical play as keys to turning things around.
Shane Pinto has emerged as Ottawa’s offensive spark, leading the team with four goals and an assist in three games. With Drake Batherson returning from an upper-body injury, the top six gains some balance. Defensively, Artem Zub and Jake Sanderson have provided structure and shot-blocking presence, combining for 11 blocks while anchoring a penalty kill that has been strong through the first week.
Buffalo, meanwhile, continues to search for rhythm after a sluggish 0-3 start. The Sabres have scored just twice in three games, and coach Lindy Ruff has not been shy about his frustration. He’s called for more urgency from young players like Jiri Kulich, who has yet to record a point this season.
Despite the lack of goals, Buffalo’s intensity remains evident. The Sabres have registered 87 shots on goal and 67 hits, showing they can create chances and play with grit. Veterans Jason Zucker and Alex Tuch are expected to shoulder more of the offensive load, while Tage Thompson remains the team’s centerpiece in transition play. Ruff’s focus now is converting zone time into actual scoring results — something that has been missing so far.
Injuries and Lineup Notes
Ottawa faces a major setback with Brady Tkachuk sidelined for at least four weeks due to a wrist injury. The captain’s absence will test the Senators’ depth and leadership, but there’s encouraging news with Drake Batherson expected to return to the lineup after missing the first three games. His playmaking and shot creation will be crucial in stabilizing the top six. For ongoing player updates, check the Ottawa Senators injury report.
Buffalo continues to manage a long list of injuries. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (lower body) remains out, along with defensemen Michael Kesselring and Mattias Samuelsson, while forwards Josh Norris and Jordan Greenway are still sidelined. Rookie forward Zach Benson, who missed time after being struck in the face by a puck, is set to make his season debut wearing a protective shield. For full availability reports and status changes, visit the Buffalo Sabres injury report.
Best Bets and Prediction
The Senators enter as narrow favorites, but their path to victory will depend on how quickly they adapt without Brady Tkachuk. Shane Pinto’s offensive consistency and the return of Drake Batherson provide a foundation, while Ottawa’s blue-line tandem of Artem Zub and Jake Sanderson has quietly been one of the more efficient defensive pairings early in the season.
Buffalo’s home crowd and the energy of Zach Benson’s debut could give the Sabres an early boost, yet their lack of finishing and shaky defensive coverage remain concerning. Unless they capitalize on power plays, Ottawa’s transition speed and special teams edge give them the upper hand.
- Model projection: Ottawa 4, Buffalo 3
- Recommended plays: Senators moneyline (-120) and over 6.0 (-109).
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Handicappers and Expert Insight
If you’re looking to go beyond surface-level stats and follow verified NHL predictions, head to the ScoresAndStats NHL Picks page. Every pick from top handicappers is timestamped, tracked, and ranked on the Handicapper Leaderboard, so you can see who’s delivering results across hockey, football, and basketball.
For bettors who want sharper context before locking in a wager, the Expert Betting Guide for NHL breaks down power rankings, team form, betting systems, and how public and sharp money are moving lines.
