NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres, April 13

Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions! Tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks look to get back into the win column against the Buffalo Sabres. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out.  Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season. 

NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres

Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Season Series: Buffalo leads 1-0

How to Watch TV: ESPN+, CHSN, MSG-B

Location: United Center

The first time these two opponents met, the Sabres drubbed the Hawks by a score of 9-3. The game was never competitive, as the Sabres jumped out to a 3-0 lead, thanks to goals from Josh Doan, Jason Zucker and Bowen Byram. Tyler Bertuzzi answered to make it 3-1. In the second, Ryan McLeod and Mattias Samuelsson scored eight seconds apart to make it 5-1 Buffalo, before Alex Vlasic got on the board. To cap off the scoring in the second, Doan netted his second of the game to give the Sabres a 6-2 lead heading into the final frame. Bertuzzi also netted his second of the night 24 seconds into the third period, but Buffalo once again answered with three unanswered. Tage Thompson, Jack Quinn and Jacob Bryson closed out the scoring to give the Sabres their decisive 9-3 lead. Arvid Soderblom was between the pipes for all nine goals, so the Hawks are hoping for a more inspired goaltending performance tonight.

Blackhawks Need to Find Positive Momentum

The Hawks have not started their season-ending homestand on the right foot, dropping their third-straight game to the St. Louis Blues. Ilya Mikheyev provided most of the Hawks’ offence. He netted goals in the second and third periods, but it was not enough to overcome St. Louis’ attack. Ryan Greene netted the other Blackhawks’ goal, as Connor Bedard collected his 43rd assist of the season. Soderblom was between the pipes for this one, meaning Spencer Knight should be back in the crease tonight. As always, be sure to check social media for starting lineups and starting goaltender information. 

The lone bright spot in the Hawks’ effort on Saturday was the push the club made in the third period. After falling behind 5-2, Chicago put together a big late-game push, even netting one to get back within two. Though they did not even the score, many of the Hawks’ top players had their chances, including Anton Frondell, who chipped in six shots in the game and was the team’s most dangerous offensive threat. If this trend continues, the Hawks should see their fortunes change and be back in the win column. On the injury front, Frank Nazar left Saturday’s game after being hit in the face with a puck. His status for tonight’s game is still up in the air.