NHL Predictions: November 4th Buffalo Sabres vs Utah Mammoth

According to moneypuck.com, Peterka is tied for the team lead for takeaways. So that might answer the defensive questions about his game. He is listed as having 2.4 goals above expected, so maybe that shooting percentage and goal total will come down to earth, however it hasn’t yet.

Now for the Sabres. Kesselring rejoined the lineup a week ago after returning from injury. So, let us focus on what Doan is bringing to the Sabres lineup currently. He is currently third in the team in scoring, with four goals and five assists for nine total points. In the same number of games as Peterka, he has one less assist. He passes the eye test in the perfect way as well, the guy in a monster on the ice. As far as the defensive side of things, Doan has six takeaways, one more than Peterka. And is a -1.6 in expected goals, meaning the analytics love his game, and predict he could even score at a higher rate than he is.

All together this trade is helping both teams right now. The Mammoth got their top-three player that can score at a high rate. And the Sabres got an outstanding two-way player that makes the team harder to play against. Moreover, they have Kesselring that will hopefully just add to a great blueline in Buffalo so far this year.

Injuries

Both teams are currently battling injury, let’s start with the Mammoth. Sean Durzi, Juuso Valimaki, and Alexander Kerfoot are all currently on injured reserve.

For Buffalo, Sabres fans might want to sit down for this. On IR are Zach Benson, Joshua Norris, Justin Danforth, Tyson Kozak. That’s not all, today head Coach Lindy ruff announced Jiri Kulich and Jason Zucker are both doubtful for tomorrow with illness. The Sabres will need to call up a forward from the minors or dress seven defencemen if both Zucker and Kulich are out.

Prediction & Key Outcomes

The Sabres are at home in a game that will mean a lot to their locker room and the fans.  The special teams favour the Sabres, look for them to capitalize on that. Despite the injuries, the Sabres will find ways with a healthy defence to compete and battle in this game.

The prediction: Buffalo Sabres 4 – utah Mammoth 3

Best Prop Bets to Watch

Alex Lyon or Colten Ellis will be in the net for this game. If the Sabres are going to win, their goaltender will need to be good. Look for either of their over on saves made in the game. For anytime point look for Peterka to find one in his return to Buffalo. And for the adventurous, look for Tage Thompson to score on the powerplay.

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