Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction, 2/23/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Buffalo Sabres vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Date: Friday, February 23, 2024

Location: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH

TV: Bally Sports Ohio

Nationwide Arena is the site where the Columbus Blue Jackets (18-27-10) will play the Buffalo Sabres (25-27-4) on Friday.

The Buffalo Sabres came out of this game feeling pretty good about themselves with a 3-2 win against the Canadiens in their previous game. Buffalo amassed 10 penalty minutes for this game. The Sabres had an average offensive output in the win. Furthermore, they had 3 chances with the advantage and netted 1 goal. For the outing, they converted 3 of the 23 shots they put on goal.

When playing at even strength, the Sabres let the opposition score 137 goals while scoring 140 on offense. Buffalo Sabres opponents have amassed 172 power play opportunities (18th in pro hockey) and have scored 34 goals in those attempts. When talking about their scoring capabilities, the Buffalo Sabres have racked up 164 goals (22nd in pro hockey) over the course of the season and have given up 171. Buffalo has attempted 1,772 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 9.3%. For the current campaign, they have recorded 54 points and their points percentage comes in at .482. The Sabres have had 1,630 shots attempted against them and hold a save percentage of .895. Buffalo comes into tonight with 161 power play opportunities and they have added 24 goals out of those attempts, earning them a percentage of 14.91%.

The man protecting the goal in this game is Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Opponents have notched 228 goals against Luukkonen in his pro hockey career and his goals against average per game is 3.08. Luukkonen has played in 78 contests throughout his NHL career. His save percentage currently sits at .902 for his 4,437 minutes on the ice. He has a win-loss record of 35-33-8 and he was named the starter in 74 games. Over the course of his time in hockey, Luukkonen has 38 quality starts and his rate for quality starts is .514. Luukkonen has seen 2,335 shot attempts against him and has recorded 2,107 saves.

When they were on the ice last, Columbus faced the Ducks in a game where the Blue Jackets ended up with the win by a tally of 7-4. They had 2 power play opportunities in this contest but didn't score a goal. The Blue Jackets had 7 goals of the 27 shots on goal they attempted.

On the season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have notched a total of 163 goals, 46 points, as well as a points percentage of .418. They have granted a total of 205 goals to be scored by way of 166 goals at even strength and 39 goals while they had less men on the ice. The Blue Jackets have accumulated 141 goals at even strength and 22 goals (31st in professional hockey) while having a power play advantage. They have a tally of 158 power play opportunities and they have earned a power play percentage of 13.92%. Columbus has attempted 1,652 shots (22nd in the league) and has earned a shooting percentage of 9.87%, while allowing the other team 1,832 shots. They have recorded a penalty kill percentage of 75.78% on their oppositions 161 power play opportunities, and their save percentage currently sits at 88.8%.

On the other side of the ice you will find Elvis Merzlikins in the crease. Opponents are averaging 3.17 goals per contest and he has relinquished 526 goals altogether. Merzlikins' quality start rate is 47.0% and he has 79 quality starts in his career. He has started in 168 games and has racked up 9,958 mins. Merzlikins has amassed a lifetime record of 65-74-29 and has participated in 182 games. He has accounted for 5,012 stops out of the 5,538 shots taken against him, which gives him a rate of .905.

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

Tony's Pick: Take Buffalo

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