Buffalo Sabres vs Vegas Golden Knights Prediction, 12/15/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Buffalo Sabres vs Vegas Golden Knights

Date: Friday, December 15, 2023

Location: T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, NV

TV: Vegas 34

T-Mobile Arena is the location where the Vegas Golden Knights (20-5-5) will attempt to beat the Buffalo Sabres (12-15-3) on Friday.

The Buffalo Sabres were on the wrong end of the scoreboard with a 5-1 defeat against the Avalanche in their previous contest . Buffalo accumulated 4 penalty mins for this contest. Furthermore, they had 2 power play opportunities but didn't net one. The Sabres left a lot to be desired in terms of their offense in the defeat. For the matchup, they scored on 1 out of the 30 shots they tried.

In terms of their scoring, the Buffalo Sabres have notched 85 goals (20th in the NHL) for the year and have allowed 100. For the current season, they have accumulated 27 points and their points % is .450. Buffalo steps onto the ice with 88 power play chances and they have scored 12 goals out of those attempts, earning them a rate of 13.64%. While playing at even strength, the Sabres let the opposition score 82 goals while earning 73 when they are on offense. Buffalo has taken 909 shots and has a shot percentage of 9.4%. The Sabres so far have had 892 shots attempted against them and have a save percentage of .888. Buffalo Sabres opponents have earned 95 power play tries (8th in the NHL) and have a total of 18 goals in those chances.

The player guarding the cage in this matchup is Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Luukkonen has participated in 60 contests throughout his NHL career. He has an overall record of 26-25-7 and was named the starter in 57 games. The opposition has been able to score 190 goals versus Luukkonen in his pro hockey career and his average for goals against per game is 3.36. Luukkonen has seen 1,864 shot attempts taken against him and has accrued 1,674 total saves. His save percentage sits at .898 in his 3,394 mins played. During his career on the ice, Luukkonen has accrued 26 quality starts and his percentage for quality starts is .456.

In their last game, Vegas squared up with the Flames in an outing where the Golden Knights got the win by a final of 5-4. The Golden Knights scored 5 goals of the 39 shots on goal they attempted. They had 4 power play chances in this matchup and netted 2 out of those attempts.

On the year, the Vegas Golden Knights have a total of 101 goals, 45 points, and a points percentage of .750. They have granted a total of 72 goals to be scored by of a combination of 61 goals at even strength and 11 goals while they were shorthanded. The Golden Knights have tallied 76 goals at even strength and 25 goals (5th in pro hockey) while on the power play. They have recorded 110 power play chances and they have a power play rate of 22.73%. Vegas has attempted 974 shots (1st in the league) and has a shooting percentage of 10.37%, while allowing the other team 884 shots. They have accumulated a penalty kill percentage of 87.21% on their oppositions 86 power play opportunities, and their save percentage currently sits at 91.9%.

Across the ice you will find Adin Hill patrolling the crease. The opposition is averaging 2.56 goals per game and he has relinquished 268 goals altogether. Hill's percentage of quality starts sits at 56.9% and he has accumulated 58 quality starting assignments in his hockey career. He has started in 102 games and has accumulated 6,286 mins. Hill has a lifetime mark of 55-41-8 and has been in goal for 115 games. He has compiled 2,828 stops out of 3,096 shots attempted, which gives him a save % of .913.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take Vegas

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