Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction, 10/19/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks

Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024

Location: United Center in Chicago, IL

TV: Chicago Sports Network

The Chicago Blackhawks (1-2-1) will compete against the Buffalo Sabres (1-3-1) at United Center on Saturday.

The Buffalo Sabres were on the losing side of the ice with a 6-5 loss to the Penguins in the last game they played. Buffalo tallied 12 mins in the box in this matchup. Moreover, they had 1 opportunity with more players on the ice but weren't able to score. The Sabres had a solid offensive outing in this defeat. For the matchup, they netted 5 of the 33 shots they put on goal.

With respect to their scoring capabilities, the Buffalo Sabres have notched 13 goals (12th in hockey) this year and have surrendered 18. For the season, the have a total of 3 points and their points percentage is sitting at .300. Buffalo has accumulated 15 power play opportunities and they have notched 0 goals during those advantages, giving them a rate of 0.00%. While playing at even strength, the Sabres have conceded 13 goals while notching 13 themselves. Buffalo has taken 142 shots and has a shot percentage of 9.2%. The Sabres have seen 151 shots tried against them and hold a save percentage of .881. Buffalo Sabres opponents have earned 18 power play opportunities (5th in the NHL) and have tallied 5 goals in those chances.

The player guarding the cage in this matchup is Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Over the course of his time in hockey, Luukkonen has earned 20 quality starts and his percentage for quality starts is .417. His save percentage is .896 for his 2,809 minutes guarding the cage. Luukkonen has had 1,567 shot attempts taken against him and has garnered 1,404 total saves. The opposition has been able to score 163 goals versus Luukkonen in his NHL career and his average for goals against per game is 3.48. He has amassed a record of 20-21-7 and he started in 48 games. Luukkonen has participated in 49 contests during his NHL career.

In their last contest, Chicago faced off against the Flames in an outing where the Blackhawks ended up taking the loss by a final score of 3-1. The Blackhawks scored 1 goal out of the 32 shots on goal they pursued. They had 2 power play attempts in this one but weren't able to notch a goal.

Chicago has tried 104 shots (19th in pro hockey) and has accumulated a shooting percentage of 8.65%, while allowing their opponents 127 shots. They have a penalty kill rate of 77.78% on the other teams 9 power play opportunities, and their save percentage is 90.6%. They have a tally of 9 opportunities on the power play and they have earned a power play rate of 33.33%. The Blackhawks have earned 6 goals at even strength and 3 goals (14th in the NHL) while having a power play advantage. They have permitted 12 goals to be scored by of a combination of 10 goals at even strength and 2 goals while they had less men on the ice. For the season, the Chicago Blackhawks have earned 9 goals, 3 points, as well as a points percentage of .375.

On the other side of the ice you are likely to see Petr Mrazek in net. His opposition is averaging 2.76 goals per game and he has given up 866 goals overall. Mrazek's quality start percentage sits at 50.8% and he has made 157 quality starts in his pro hockey career. He was named a starter in 309 games and has played for a total of 18,832 mins. Mrazek has a career record of 151-126-34 and has participated in 337 games. He has racked up 8,472 stops out of 9,338 shots attempted, giving him a save percentage of .907.

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

Josh's Pick: Take Chicago

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