Luukonen Must Improve Performance in Showdown between Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes

Game outlook

The Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes face off in the Tar Heel State on Saturday night for two important points. Buffalo last played on Thursday night, losing 6-4 away to the St. Louis Blues. Carolina lost at home to the New York Islanders in overtime on Thursday, 5-4. The Hurricanes are the favorites, with an 8-2 record in their last 10 meetings, and a 3-2 overtime win in their first matchup of the season. Carolina is currently at -239 on the betting line.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Sabres +200 | Hurricanes -239

Spread: Sabres +1.5 (-121) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+103)

Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Carolina will win straight-up is 71%.

Buffalo Sabres

In their most recent game, the Sabres lost 6-4 to the Blues, despite having a 15-8 shot advantage in the opening period and 46-20 advantage overall. Lack of goaltending proved to be their downfall, as they gave up the first three goals of the game in the opening 10:59 before being able to get on the scoreboard. Despite two goals from Zach Benson and one from Rasmus Dahlin and Peyton Krebs, the Blues were able to come out on top. With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen expected to start again, the Sabres hope to put together consecutive victories. The Buffalo Sabres are tied for 22nd in offense, averaging 2.96 goals per game. They have a power ranking of 24 and are 12th in penalty killing as they successfully get through 83.3% of their shorthanded situations. Despite holding a 15-8 shot advantage in the opening period, they lost 6-4 to the Blues in their last game. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 14 saves for Buffalo, who had a 46-20 shot advantage, in the loss and is expected to start again as the Sabres aim to put together consecutive victories.