Buffalo Sabres vs Edmonton Oilers Prediction, 3/21/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Buffalo Sabres vs Edmonton Oilers

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024

Location: Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB

TV: Sportsnet

Odds/Point Spread: Sabres (+175) Oilers (-220)

Rogers Place is the site where the Edmonton Oilers (41-21-4) will attempt to defeat the Buffalo Sabres (33-32-5) on Thursday. The moneyline on this game has Buffalo at +175 and Edmonton is opening at -220. The total has been set at 7.

The Buffalo Sabres had a rough game after their 3-2 loss against the Canucks their last time out. The Sabres had a rough night on the offensive side of the ice in this loss. In the game, they scored on 2 of the 17 shots they put on goal. They also had 4 power play chances but weren't able to make the most of them. Buffalo recorded 12 minutes in the box for this contest.

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Buffalo Sabres opponents have totaled 216 power play opportunities (11th in hockey) and have tallied 45 goals in those attempts. The Sabres thus far have had 2,029 shots tried against them and hold a save percentage of .898. Buffalo has taken 2,177 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 9.5%. When at even strength, the Sabres have surrendered 161 goals while notching 174 themselves. Buffalo steps onto the ice with 199 power play opportunities and they have notched 33 goals out of those tries, giving them a percentage of 16.58%. For the year, they have recorded 71 points and their points percentage comes in at .507. In regard to their scoring, the Buffalo Sabres have racked up 207 goals (20th in the National Hockey League) on the year and have given up 206.

Patrolling the crease for the game will be Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Opponents have scored 253 goals against Luukkonen in his career and his average for goals against per game is 2.94. Luukkonen has been involved in 90 matchups over the course of his professional hockey career. His save percentage currently sits at .905 in his 5,168 minutes between the pipes. He has earned a record of 43-36-9 and he has gotten the start in 86 games. For his career, Luukkonen has accounted for 48 quality starts and his quality starts rate sits at .558. Luukkonen has seen 2,673 shot attempts against him and has recorded 2,420 saves.

In their last contest, Edmonton played the Canadiens in an outing where the Oilers got the win by a final score of 3-2. They had 5 chances on the power play in this one and recorded 1 out of those attempts. The Oilers scored 3 goals out of the 32 shots on goal they were seeking.

During this campaign, the Edmonton Oilers have 232 goals, 86 points, in addition to a points percentage of .652. They have permitted 186 goals to be scored by of a combination of 144 goals at even strength and 42 goals while they were shorthanded. The Oilers have 180 goals at even strength and 52 goals (7th in pro hockey) while having a power play advantage. They have earned 197 chances on the power play and they have earned a power play percentage of 26.40%. Edmonton has attempted 2,215 shots (7th in pro hockey) and has a shot percentage of 10.47%, while allowing the other team 1,889 shots. They have a penalty kill percentage of 80.19% on their oppositions 212 power play tries, and their save percentage currently comes in at 90.2%.

Across the rink you are expected to see Stuart Skinner protecting the goal. He has gathered 2,963 saves out of 3,254 shots taken, which gives him a rate of .911. Skinner has accrued a lifetime mark of 66-33-9 and has played in 113 contests. He has started in 108 games and has accumulated 6,518 mins. Skinner's rate of quality starts is 60.2% and he has 65 quality starting assignments in his pro hockey career. His opposition is averaging 2.68 goals/game and he has allowed 291 goals overall.

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

Tony's Pick: Take Buffalo (+175)

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