Buffalo Sabres vs. Panthers Prediction and Odds: Game 2

BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 13: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Buffalo Sabres looks on during warm-up before the game against the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center on October 13, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 13: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Buffalo Sabres looks on during warm-up before the game against the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center on October 13, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Sabres managed an upset win over the Ottawa Senators in their home opener on Thursday night. Now, they face the mighty Florida Panthers. 

The Buffalo Sabres might not be as much of a new-look team as the Florida Panthers, considering the absence of Johnny Huberdeau, Anthony Duclair, and Mackenzie Weegar. They also have a new coach in Paul Maurice. But it would be a mistake to underestimate the Panthers, who won the Presidents’ Trophy in 2021-22.

The Sabres also saw some struggles in their opening night win against the Ottawa Senators. They came out flat, and for an entire period, looked like that dreadful team we saw take the ice from November 2021 to February 2022. Then, they reverted back into October 2021, March, and April 2022 mode, and won the affair 4-1.

So what does Saturday’s matinee look like for the Sabres? Here are the odds and a prediction coming your way.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Panthers Odds – Game 2

Per Fan Duel, the Buffalo Sabres are currently +1.5 point underdogs against the Panthers. Their current Over/Under sits at 6.5, and the Sabres hold a +155 moneyline. The moneyline for the Panthers is -188.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Panthers Prediction – Game 2

The Panthers are a hot team, that’s for sure, and they are capable of putting up goals left and right. The Sabres must take full advantage of their power play in this one, something they finished 0 for 4 in against Ottawa.

They must also do a better job of keeping the puck in their possession, something else they struggled with the other night. The Sabres did fare well on the penalty kill, and they also found lanes to drive the puck on multiple occasions. And these are two factors the Sabres also need if they are going to beat Florida.

Takeaways from Opening Night to use against Florida. light. Related Story

So can the Sabres again shock the NHL and make it two for two? As much as I’d like to say yes, I can’t quite justify predicting they will win this one. But they will keep it competitive, so it will be a Panthers victory here, 4 to 2.

(Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change)