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2024-25 Buffalo Sabres Predictions and Odds to Win Stanley Cup Finals

by Ryan Cobbett - 9/11/2024

Buffalo Sabres predictions Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

The Buffalo Sabres performed better than expected in 2023-24, in large part because of the emergence of their goaltender, but they still failed to make the playoffs and ended up finishing seven points short of the last wild card spot. They finished the year with 84 points, going 39-37-6 and finishing with a +2-goal differential on the year. Their 244 goals against were the lowest amount for a team that did not make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. The Sabres were also one of the best teams ATS last season. They finished the year going 47-35 ATS, which was the eighth best mark in the NHL, and they were exceptionally reliable on the road, where they covered 26 of their 41 road games.

The offense never found its stride last season. Buffalo did not have a single player reach the 60-point mark and ranked 23rd in the league in GF/G with just a 2.98 total. The Sabres also had one of the worst Power Play performances from a year ago as they cashed in on only 16.6% of their man advantage chances. Rasmus Dahlin and Alex Tuch finished atop the Buffalo roster with 59 points, with Dahlin leading the team with 39 assists. Dahlin also ranked fifth in the NHL in TOI/G, averaging 25:25 minutes. Tage Thompson led the team in goals with 29, while he and JJ Peterka also reached the 50-point mark, with Thompson recording 56 points and Peterka finishing with 50.

The emergence of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was what propelled the Sabres forward last season. Luukkonen finished the season 27-22-4, allowing just 2.57 GA/G. He also finished with the second most shutouts in the NHL last season with five. The problem was who was behind him. Devon Levi and Eric Comrie combined to go just 12-15-2 while allowing 3.39 GA/G on a mere .886 SV%.

Seasons come and go, so now it’s time to take a look at what we can expect from the Buffalo Sabres in 2024/25:

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Buffalo Sabres Key Additions/Losses

Shipping off Casey Mittelstadt and Kyle Okposo at the deadline significantly weakened the roster, as those two had a combined 69 points before being traded. Buffalo also lost depth pieces in Victor Olofsson and Tyson Jost in free agency.

However, the additions significantly outweigh the losses for Buffalo. They brought in Ryan McLeod (30 points) and Beck Malenstyn (21 points) via trades, while also signing Jason Zucker (32 points), Nicolas Aube-Kubel (16 points), and Sam Lafferty (24 points) to provide a good amount of offensive depth up front. They also brought in blueliners Dennis Gilbert and Colton Poolman, along with goalie James Reimer to add even more depth.

Buffalo Sabres X-Factors

Offensive Performance- After ranking near the bottom of the league in scoring, the Sabres brought in a lot of role pieces to boost their third and fourth lines this offseason. This is a young team that will continue to see improvement from the likes of Tage Thompson (26), Rasmus Dahlin (24), JJ Peterka (22), Dylan Cozens (23), Owen Power (21), Jack Quinn (22), and Zach Benson (19). Benson, Cozens, and Quinn form a solid second line that will play a crucial part in the success of this Buffalo team.

Buffalo Sabres Goalie Outlook

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was one of the best Cinderella stories from a season ago, as he put himself on the map and put the Sabres ahead in their rebuild. Luukkonen started 51 games and allowed just 132 goals all season. Unfortunately for him, he had no offense in front of him. A team that has a netminder posting 2.57 GA/G should not be sitting outside the playoff picture with 84 points. Buffalo also has youngster Devon Levi to back up Luukkonen. Levi allowed 3.10 GA/G across his 21 starts, not bad for the 22-year-old. For further backup, the Sabres also brought in James Reimer to add a veteran presence for the two young netminders.

Grade: B+

Buffalo Sabres Key Schedule Stretch

March 6th-April 8th: This whole month will be tough for Buffalo and go a long way in determining if they will make the playoffs or not. There are 17 games during this month, with 10 of the games against playoff teams from a year ago along with opponents like @ Detroit, Ottawa (twice), @ Minnesota, @ Philadelphia, @ Utah, and Pittsburgh. When you have a young team like Buffalo does, these stretches will go a long way in determining if this group can avoid burning out.

Buffalo Sabres Notable Odds

Stanley Cup Champions - +5500

Conference Winner - +3000

Division Winner - +1600

To Make the Playoffs- Yes: +152

Hart Trophy- Tage Thompson: +7000

Vezina Trophy- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen: +15000

Buffalo Sabres Predictions

I like Buffalo for the future but not right now. I think this team is a few pieces away from being highly competitive. Tage Thompson and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are incredible pieces to build around, and the Sabres have one of the youngest rosters in the league. However, over the course of a whole season, I expect them to fizzle out -- especially in the previously stretch. I think they will be on the south side of the point total and miss the playoffs, but there should be a lot of excitement in Buffalo for the years to come.

Under 88.5 Team Total Points

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