NHL Predictions: Nov 26 Buffalo Sabres vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Location: PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Penguins Story

The Penguins come into this game on a bit of a tailspin. They captured only one point out of a possible four over the weekend, having lost 5-0 to the Minnesota Wild, and then 3-2 in overtime to the Seattle Kraken. Pittsburgh is 3-4-3 over their last 10 games, with a record of 10-6-5 on the season. Their 25 points through the first quarter of the season have landed them just one point out of a Wild Card spot. However, they are sixth in the conference based on points percentage. The Penguins’ terrific start to the season has given them some cushion, so that if they’re able to win the games they have in hand, they will find themselves back in a Stanley Cup playoff spot.

Injuries have been a big source of hurt for the Penguins over the last 10 games. Key injuries to Rickard Rakell, Justin Brazeau, Filip Hallander and others have depleted the offensive depth of the Penguins. Thus requiring them to dip into players from the minors that they did not plan on using in the NHL. Former second-round pick Tristan Broz is expected to make his NHL debut in this game. He has eight goals and 13 points through 18 games in the AHL this season. Expect him to slot into the third line, centring Thomas Novak and Ville Koivunen, based on practice lines prior to the game. All eyes will be on the Penguins’ top stars to help them out of this tailspin with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin leading the team in points. They’ll need to lead the offence in this game against the Sabres.

The Sabres Story

The Buffalo Sabres come into this game on a two-game win streak, following a 9-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks and a 4-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Although these games have them trending upwards, the Sabres have had yet another mediocre season overall. Their 9-9-4 record places them second last in the east just ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Although, they are just four points out of the playoff spot due to how close the standings are at the moment. Even having won two straight, the Sabres are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. They need to build momentum so they don’t get lost among the sea of Eastern teams vying for playoff spots.

Injuries have also played the Buffalo Sabres this season. Key injuries and absences with players like Rasmus Dahlin have led to a depletion of depth for a team that already struggles to carry out their system as it is. Forwards Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch lead the way for Buffalo. Thompson has 12 goals and 21 points through 22 games, while Tuch has recorded eight goals and 21 points through 22 games. Centre Josh Doan has been a pleasant surprise following a trade from the Utah Mammoth, exceeding expectations with seven goals and 15 points through 21 games. The Penguins have struggled to shut down opposing offences as of late, and the high-scoring ability of the Sabres will be their key to victory in this game.

NHL Prediction

The Penguins and Sabres both desperately need to pickup points heading into the Thanksgiving Break. However, the Penguins are on a downward spiral at the moment while the Sabres seemed to have picked up some momentum. Expect this to continue in this contest, with the Sabres likely compounding on their current win streak.

NHL Prediction: Sabres win 6-4.

Prop Bet of the Night

The Penguins and the Sabres are both high scoring teams with questionable defences and even more questionable goaltending. Expect a high scoring game on Thursday night, where a popular prop bet of goals over 8 with a +310 is a solid bet.

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