The Buffalo Sabres have little room for error if they want to stay in the playoff race, and unfortunately, the Stars are their latest opponent.
The Buffalo Sabres are still playing meaningful games, which is a clear sign of growth. Problem is, with injuries and, well, being in unfamiliar territory, those meaningful games are slipping away with each passing week.
Having dropped four of their last five, the Blue and Gold’s margin for error is thin, and with just 19 games to go, this team must embark on a run similar to what they had after they snapped their eight-game losing streak back in November. Not saying it’s impossible, but with the strength of their upcoming opponents, their chances aren’t great.
That brings us to tonight’s contest vs. the Dallas Stars. Dallas, despite their recent mediocrity, remain in first place in the Central Division with 81 points, and they will be a formidable opponent for the Sabres tonight. So can Buffalo find a way to win? Let’s check the odds.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Stars Odds – Game 64
Per Fan Duel, the Buffalo Sabres are +1.5 underdogs at home against the Stars. The Over/Under is 6.5, and the Sabres moneyline is +128. The Stars moneyline is -154.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Stars Prediction – Game 64
I would be far more optimistic if Buffalo saw Mattias Samuelsson and Riley Stillman return tonight. If that’s the case, then the Sabres should “only” be missing Alex Tuch, barring anything unforeseen.
But they also need to establish their game better, as opposed to failing to find an answer to their opponent’s game, as was the case against the New York Islanders. If the Sabres come out and play the Stars in the same manner, chalk it up as another loss, which will push them further behind the eight-ball.
But if they play their simple, speedy game, get in front of the net, and take 30-plus shots on goal, Buffalo has a chance to win this thing. Right now, however, they need to show me that they can do this before I can get optimistic, so I’m saying their playoff chances decrease even more with a loss.
(Game odds refresh regularly and are subject to change)