Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, 12/11/2021 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres

Date: Saturday, December 11, 2021

Location: KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY

TV: MSG Network

Odds/Point Spread: Capitals (-200) Sabres (+160)

Vitek Vanecek and the Washington Capitals (16-4-6) travel to KeyBank Center on Saturday where they'll take on the Buffalo Sabres (8-14-3). The Sabres open this game at +160 while the Capitals are coming in at -200. The O/U has been set at 6.

The Washington Capitals were on the right side of the scoreboard with a 4-3 victory against the Ducks in their previous game. The Capitals had a solid offensive output and it showed in this win. For the game, they scored on 4 out of the 29 shots they tried. Additionally, they had 1 chance with the advantage but didn't get a goal. Washington accumulated 7 penalty minutes for this matchup.

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In regard to their goal scoring prowess, the Washington Capitals have accumulated 91 goals (4th in the National Hockey League) on the season and have given up 64. For the current season, they have accumulated 38 points and their points % is .731. Washington steps onto the ice with 74 power play chances and they have scored 13 goals out of those tries, giving them a rate of 17.57%. While playing at even strength, the Capitals have conceded 53 goals while having 78 of their own. Washington has taken 801 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 11.4%. The Capitals have had 731 shots tried against them and are the owners of a save percentage of .912. Washington Capitals opponents have recorded 64 power play opportunities (27th in the league) and have come away with 11 goals in those attempts.

The player guarding the cage in this matchup is Vitek Vanecek. Vanecek has played in 50 matchups over the course of his NHL career. He has accumulated an overall mark of 25-13-9 and he has gotten the start in 49 games. Opponents have scored 126 goals against Vanecek in his pro hockey career and his goals against average is 2.66. Vanecek has had 1,358 shot attempts against him and he has 1,232 saves. His save percentage currently sits at .907 in his 2,841 minutes in the crease. From the beginning of his pro career to now, Vanecek is sitting with 23 quality starts and his quality starts rate is .469.

When they were on the ice last, Buffalo faced the Ducks in an outing where the Sabres went home in defeat by a tally of 2-0. They had 3 opportunities on the power play in this contest but didn't score a goal. The Sabres recorded 0 goals out of the 25 shots on goal they tried.

During this campaign, the Buffalo Sabres have accounted for 69 goals, 19 points, as well as a points percentage of .380. They have permitted 92 goals to be scored by way of 79 goals at even strength and 13 goals while they were shorthanded. The Sabres have earned 56 goals at even strength and 13 goals (23rd in pro hockey) while having a power play advantage. They have recorded 66 power play opportunities and they have a power play rate of 19.70%. Buffalo has taken 729 shots (26th in the NHL) and has accumulated a shot percentage of 9.47%, while allowing the opposition 834 shots. They have a penalty kill percentage of 78.69% on their oppositions 61 power play tries, and their save percentage is currently 89.0%.

Across the rink you are likely to see Aaron Dell in net. Dell is sitting with a career record of 49-44-12 and has played in 121 games. Dell's quality start percentage comes out to 45.9% and he has 45 quality starting assignments in his NHL career. He has recorded 2,909 saves out of 3,217 shots attempted against him, giving him a save % of .904. Opponents are averaging 2.90 goals/game and he has surrendered 308 goals in total. He was named a starter in 98 games and has been on the ice for 6,375 mins.

Who will win tonight's NHL game ATS?

Josh's Pick: Take Buffalo (+160)

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