The Buffalo Sabres have a tall task ahead of them as they kick off their first road trip of the year against the Edmonton Oilers.
The Buffalo Sabres proved they could hold their own against elite competition in last Saturday’s narrow loss to the Florida Panthers. This week, they face a taller task on their first road trip of the season, and it begins against a solid Edmonton Oilers team.
Last season, the Oilers fell short amidst a deep playoff run, so it shows us how much work the Sabres have cut out for them. So what are the odds they win this one? Let’s discuss.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Oilers Odds – Game 3
Per Fan Duel, the Buffalo Sabres are currently +1.5 point underdogs against the Oilers. Their current Over/Under sits at 7, and the Sabres hold a +190 moneyline. The moneyline for the Oilers is -235.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Oilers Prediction – Game 3
The Oilers are a phenomenal hockey team that can score at will. This tells me the Sabres defensive rotation cannot allow a repeat of last Saturday when they let the Panthers get behind them in an odd man rush a half-dozen times.
Further, the first line has been nonexistent besides Victor Olofsson’s two empty-netters in last week’s win over the Ottawa Senators. Right now, the Sabres just need too many players to step up for me to realistically believe they have a chance in this one.
Wins against the elite teams will come, but not today. The Oilers will win this one 5-3, but I can say that the Sabres will at least keep things interesting throughout most of the contest, with the Oilers pulling away late.
And like their recent loss to the Panthers, they shouldn’t leave Edmonton hanging their heads. Instead, the Sabres need to continue to look at the progress they have recently shown against some of the NHL’s stiffest competition, and that progress will continue in tonight’s outing.
(Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change)