Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, the team here at Last Word on Hockey will dive deep into analysis for any given game to look at the potential outcome. Today, we’re taking a look at the contest between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Buffalo Sabres. Be sure to keep an eye on our other NHL Predictions as the season presses on.
NHL Predictions
Buffalo Sabres vs Carolina Hurricanes
Time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TNT; MAX; truTV; TVAS
This round of NHL Predictions looks at the first matchup of the season between the Hurricanes and Sabres. Note the earlier-than-normal start for this one. These two teams are on opposite sides of the standings mid-way through the season. The Sabres (16-22-5) sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference while the Hurricanes (26-15-3) are in third in the Metropolitan Division. However, after the Sabres long losing streak, they picked up their play and have almost an identical record to the Hurricanes over their last ten (5-4-1 and 5-3-2 respectively).
The Hurricanes Story
Following back-to-back wins, the Hurricanes were looking for a big performance against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday afternoon. Not only were they looking to make it three wins in a row, but it was the night the team was officially retiring Eric Staal‘s number. But even though Carolina brought the game to overtime with a last-minute goal, it was the Ducks who picked up the win in overtime on a shot that Pyotr Kochetkov would like to have back.
Over the span of the season, the team has done fairly well. But since the middle of November, the team has been unable to string together much consistency. They have not put together three wins in a row since that time and are looking to get some rhythm as 2025 moves forward. On the other hand, they also have not lost many in a row with the end of November/beginning of December seeing the last time they lost three in a row. Consistently inconsistent seems to be the story for them right now.
The last game did see the return of Shayne Gostisbehere which helped the power play pick up a goal after struggling in his absence. And while it was Eric Staal’s jersey retirement Sunday, it was his brother Jordan Staal leading the charge lately with five goals and eight points in his last five games. With the extra day off, expect Kochetkov to get the start in net but always check game-day lineups for fantasy purposes.
The Sabres Story
The Sabres were hoping to take a step forward this season. With the return of Lindy Ruff behind the bench and many of their younger players having another year of experience, playoffs seemed like a realistic hope. But now the Sabres find themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and it unfortunately seems like it might be another year without a playoff appearance.
But as of late, they have had more mixed results (as shown above). Tage Thompson leads the team in goals (19) and points (34) while Jason Zucker has been a solid pickup for the team. He has 15 goals and 31 points in 43 games played. The team has struggled on the man advantage with a 17.7% effectiveness but that doesn’t mean they won’t look for Thompson to wind up for a big one-timer when on the power play. Their 3.37 goals against per game also ranks near the bottom of the league and is something they are looking to improve. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will likely take the start in net but again check game day rosters.
Prediction
On paper, this looks like it should be a win for the Hurricanes. They lead in essentially every major statistical category and have been in a playoff spot all season. But their consistency is a concern. Which team will you get? And which Kochetkov will you get? If Gostisbehere continues to affect their power play positively and their penalty kill (at the top of the league with 85%) stays strong, special teams may be the difference in this one. However, Buffalo is at home which gives them not only the crowd and familiarity advantage but the matchup advantage as well.
Prediction: Carolina wins 3-1
Prop Bets of the Night
Rounding out these NHL Predictions, we take a look at some prop bets for the night. The money line is -188 in favour of the Hurricanes. For anytime goal scorers, I’d look at Jason Zucker for the Sabres with +260 odds. For the Hurricanes, I’d go a little off the board and take Eric Robinson with +500 odds. Robinson has been getting plenty of time on the team’s second line and is not afraid to clean up rebounds and get dirty goals.
Main Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: January 15 Carolina Hurricanes vs Buffalo Sabres appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.