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Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres Betting Picks & Predictions

Game time: January 20, 2024 at 12:30 PM ET

Venue: KeyBank Center — Buffalo, NY

Article updated Jan 20, 6:23 AM EST

Published by SportsJaw Editorial Team

The Tampa Bay Lightning will be facing off against the Buffalo Sabres in an upcoming game, as both teams aim to improve their performance in what have been challenging

Game outlook

The Tampa Bay Lightning will be facing off against the Buffalo Sabres in an upcoming game, as both teams aim to improve their performance in what have been challenging seasons. The Lightning, with a current record of 7-3, have recently enjoyed a four-game winning streak that has propelled them into fourth place in the Atlantic Division. The Sabres, on the other hand, have a 20-21-4 record and find themselves near the bottom of the division, although they have recently secured back-to-back wins. Both teams are determined to make strides in their division and the Eastern Conference as a whole. In terms of odds, Tampa Bay is the favored team with an opening line of -120, which has remained unchanged. Fans and enthusiasts of the sport can look forward to an exciting game.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Lightning -120 | Sabres +100

Spread: Lightning -1.5 (+200) | Sabres +1.5 (-240)

Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Tampa Bay will win straight-up is 55%.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been experiencing a successful season, predominantly due to their strong offensive performance. The team has been scoring an impressive average of 3.38 goals per game, with a total of 16 goals scored in their last three games. The top offensive players, Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Steven Stamkos, have collectively contributed 68 goals and 96 assists, leading the team's top two lines. However, other players, such as Brandon Hagel, Nick Paul, and Anthony Cirelli, have also stepped up with a combined total of 34 goals and 45 assists. Even defenseman Victor Hedman has been instrumental in opening up the offense, contributing eight goals and 36 assists. Nevertheless, the team's defense has been struggling, allowing an average of 3.38 goals per game. While Victor Hedman and Nicklaus Perbix have contributed 4.6 defensive point shares, the rest of the defensive unit has been less effective, allowing opponents to easily find open shots on goal. Additionally, goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has been facing challenges, with a save percentage of .899 and a 2.86 goals-against average on 612 shots, resulting in a -3.1 goal saved above average. Statistically, the Lightning holds the 13th rank in offense, averaging 3.32 goals scored per game, and the 24th rank in defense, allowing an average of 3.39 points to be scored against them per game. So far this season, the team has achieved a record of 23 wins, 17 losses, and 5 overtime losses. Overall, while the Lightning's offense has been exceptional, their defense and goaltending need improvement for the team to achieve greater success. Walt's first NHL goal was an easy pick for tonight's @NewAmsterdam Goal of the Game 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ibpcRV1DcT

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Picks are opinions, not guarantees. Past results do not predict future outcomes.

Buffalo Sabres Analysis

The Buffalo Sabres are currently experiencing a challenging season, particularly in terms of their offense. They have been struggling to score, with an average of only 2.96 goals per game. However, Casey Middlestadt, Alex Tuch, and Jason-John Peterka have been leading the top two lines with a combined total of 38 goals and 60 assists. Despite their efforts, the remaining players on the offense have been unable to contribute significantly, resulting in a top-heavy offense that can be easily neutralized by opposing teams. In addition to the offensive struggles, the Sabres' defense has also been letting them down. They are allowing an average of 3.16 goals per game, indicating weaknesses in their defensive play. Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson have been responsible for 4.3 defensive point shares, but the rest of the defensive unit has struggled to prevent opponents from taking open shots on goal. Furthermore, goaltender Devon Levi has had a challenging season with a .889 save percentage and a 3.32 goals-against average. He has faced a significant number of shots (531 in total) and has saved 7.9 goals below the league average. In terms of rankings, the Buffalo Sabres currently hold the 19th position overall. However, they rank 22nd in terms of offense, with an average of 2.95 goals scored per game, and 20th in terms of defense, with an average of 3.25 points allowed per game. Their overall record for the season stands at 20-21-4. In their most recent matchups, the Tampa Bay Lightning have achieved three consecutive victories against the Sabres. Had to slow this one down 🥵 #LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/Nm484tzG6B

Lightning Poised for Victory as Sabres Battle on Home Ice

The upcoming game between the Sabres and the Lightning promises to be an exciting matchup as both teams are determined to advance in the Atlantic Division. Although the Sabres will have the advantage of playing on their home ice, the Lightning come into this game with an impressive four-game winning streak and a strong desire to dominate right from the outset. With a commendable average of 3.38 goals per game, the Lightning's offensive prowess, led by notable players Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos, is poised to showcase a formidable offensive presence by employing strategic cross-ice and centering passes to create scoring opportunities. The Lightning's defensive unit, headlined by Victor Hedman and Nicklaus Perbix, is anticipated to stifle the Sabres' defense, whose average score against hovers around 2.96 goals per game. By generating turnovers in their own defensive zone and minimizing shots on goal, the Lightning's goaltender, Andrei Vasilevskiy, is expected to make a significant number of crucial saves. Considering these factors, it is reasonable to assert that a strong performance on the road will most likely secure a victory for the Lightning. It is advisable to place a wager on the Lightning as the home favorites.

SportsJawGame Predictions
Predicted score

Unavailable for this preview

Projected winnerUnavailableConfidencelow
Pick on the Spread

Published pick: Unavailable

Pick on the Total

Published pick: Unavailable

#TampaBayLightning#BuffaloSabres

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Written by

SportsJaw Editorial Team

SportsJaw published this archived preview from its original game-day article. Its prediction and quoted lines are preserved as written.

About our editorial process

SportsJaw Lightning vs Sabres archived game preview contains historical odds and availability that may no longer be current. View history of past Lightning vs Sabres matchups or learn how our predictions work.

Current matchup data

Lines, trends and availability

Line movement since open

  • Moneyline · Tampa Bay Lightning-120 → -108Moved
  • Moneyline · Buffalo Sabres+100 → -106Moved
  • Spread · Tampa Bay Lightning-1.5 (+200) → -1.5 (+213)Moved
  • Spread · Buffalo Sabres+1.5 (-240) → +1.5 (-255)Moved
  • Total · Over6.5 (-110) → 6.5 (-110)Unchanged
  • Total · Under6.5 (-110) → 6.5 (-110)Unchanged

ATS and O/U trends

Tampa Bay Lightning
7-3 matchup record · 5-5-0 ATS · 4-4-2 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file
Buffalo Sabres
4-4 matchup record · 6-4-0 ATS · 3-7-0 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file

Injuries and availability

From the published research (2024-01-20T11:23:11.896Z). Availability may have changed; review the cited sources.

No verified injury or availability note was included in the published matchup research.

Recent head-to-head

No completed head-to-head result is available in the current history window.

Final result

Matchup pick recap

Tampa Bay Lightning defeated Buffalo Sabres 3-1

Tampa Bay Lightning defeated Buffalo Sabres 3-1 on January 20, 2024, a 2-goal decision in the series. Tampa Bay Lightning's strongest period was the 1st period, when it outscored its opponent 2-0. Against SportsJaw's recorded Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (+213) spread, Tampa Bay Lightning covered, while the 4 combined goals finished under the recorded total of 6.5.

SportsJaw editorial picks

  • Projected winnerNo published selectionUnavailable

Tipster picks

  • OddssharkTotal · Over 6.5 (-110)Loss