Buffalo Sabres vs Utah Mammoth Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres and Utah Mammoth are both desperate for a win when they meet Wednesday night in Salt Lake City. Buffalo has one victory in its past seven games (1-2-4), while Utah has dropped five of six since topping the Sabres 4-2 on Nov. 4.
The Sabres are still winless on the road at 0-3-2 and have struggled to finish scoring chances despite ranking 11th in shots per game (28.9). Coach Lindy Ruff said the team is generating looks but not converting. “I’d be worried if we weren’t creating enough,” Ruff said.
Utah returns home after a four-game East Coast trip that ended with a 4-2 loss in Ottawa. The Mammoth have fallen from first to eighth in the Western Conference, but Nick Schmaltz continues to pace the team with 19 points in 16 games.
You can track all upcoming matchups and numbers on the NHL odds page
Line Movement and Odds
Utah opened around –180 on the moneyline and remains in that range with most books. The puck line sits at Mammoth –1.5 (+135), while Buffalo +1.5 comes in near –160. The total is steady at 6.5 goals, leaning Under –115.
Sharp money has backed Utah early, while public action is split on the total. Bettors tracking live markets can always compare spreads and totals through the NHL picks page
Matchup Breakdown
Buffalo Outlook
The Sabres’ offense has gone quiet. In their last three games, they’ve produced five total goals while ranking last in shooting percentage (9.22%). With Rasmus Dahlin unavailable, Buffalo’s blue line loses its anchor, forcing Owen Power to handle top-pair duties.
Utah Outlook
Utah’s scoring balance remains solid with Schmaltz, Keller, and Cooley leading the attack. The Mammoth allow fewer high-danger chances at home and own a positive goal differential in Salt Lake City. Their power play has hit on 24% of opportunities over the last five games, giving them a clear edge in special teams.
For bettors comparing statistical trends and previous results, the NHL previews page offers complete matchup context.
Injuries and Conditions
Buffalo Sabres
- Jiri Kulich (F): Out long-term with a blood-clot issue
- Jason Zucker (F): Remains out with illness
- Zach Benson (F): Lower-body injury, not practicing
- Rasmus Dahlin (D): On family leave
See the latest updates on the Buffalo Sabres injury report
Utah Mammoth
- Alex Kerfoot (C): Abdomen surgery, on IR
- Sean Durzi (D): Upper-body injury, still out
Full details available on the Utah Mammoth injury report
Best Bets and Prediction
Buffalo is 0-5 straight up on the road and 2-8 against the puck line in its last 10 away games. Utah is 4-1 at home this season and stronger defensively on home ice.
Projected Score: Utah 4, Buffalo 2
- Best Bet: Mammoth –1.5 (+135)
- Secondary Lean: Under 6.5 goals
Learn more about how to approach NHL betting angles with our expert betting guide
ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
Follow top-rated experts on the Handicapper Leaderboard and explore premium insights through Service Plays. You can also grab today’s free NHL picks to compare opinions and betting edges.
For deeper betting education, check the Bettors Handbook to sharpen your hockey wagering strategy.


