Buffalo Sabres vs San Jose Sharks Prediction, 1/27/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Buffalo Sabres vs San Jose Sharks

Date: Saturday, January 27, 2024

Location: SAP Center in San Jose, CA

TV: NBC Sports California

The Buffalo Sabres (21-23-4) are hitting the road to SAP Center on Saturday where they will meet the San Jose Sharks (13-31-4).

The Buffalo Sabres were on the winning side of the scoreboard with a 5-3 win over the Kings their last time on the ice. Buffalo compiled 6 minutes in the box in this outing. The Sabres had a impressive offensive performance in the win. They also had 4 power play tries but weren't able to score. In the matchup, they tallied a score on 5 out of the 37 shots they tried.

Buffalo Sabres opponents have totaled 148 power play opportunities (16th in professional hockey) and have earned 30 goals in those chances. The Sabres have seen 1,409 shots taken against them and hold a save percentage of .892. Buffalo has attempted 1,497 shots and holds a shooting percentage of 9.4%. When at even strength, the Sabres let the opposition score 122 goals while earning 121 on offense. Buffalo steps onto the ice with 140 power play opportunities and they have tallied 20 goals out of those tries, earning them a rate of 14.29%. For the year, the have a total of 46 points and their points percentage comes in at .479. When it comes to their goal scoring prowess, the Buffalo Sabres have accumulated 141 goals (21st in hockey) so far this year and have conceded 152.

The man protecting the net in this game is Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Luukkonen has participated in 71 contests throughout his NHL career. He has an overall record of 31-30-8 and he has gotten the start in 67 games. The opposition has racked up 213 goals against Luukkonen in his career and his average for goals against per game is 3.18. Luukkonen has seen 2,144 shots taken against him and has accrued 1,931 total saves. His save percentage sits at .901 for his 4,020 minutes guarding the cage. Throughout his time in hockey, Luukkonen has compiled 33 quality starts and his percentage for quality starts is .493.

In their last contest, San Jose faced off against the Rangers in an outing where the Sharks got the victory by a final score of 3-2. The Sharks recorded 3 goals out of the 22 shots on goal they were seeking. They had 3 opportunities on the power play in this game but weren't able to put one in the back of the net.

San Jose has taken 1,223 shots (32nd in professional hockey) and has a shooting percentage of 8.18%, while allowing their opponents 1,705 shots. They have a penalty kill percentage of 71.79% on their oppositions 156 power play opportunities, and their save percentage currently sits at 89.0%. They have recorded 118 power play opportunities and they have a power play rate of 16.95%. The Sharks have racked up 80 goals at even strength and 20 goals (27th in the NHL) while on the power play. They have allowed 187 goals to be scored by way of 143 goals at even strength and 44 goals while they were shorthanded. For the year, the San Jose Sharks are sitting with 100 goals, 30 points, in addition to a points percentage of .313.

Across the rink you are likely to see Mackenzie Blackwood in the crease. He has tallied 4,955 saves out of 5,482 shots taken, giving him a save percentage of .904. Blackwood is the owner of a lifetime mark of 72-74-21 and has participated in 183 games. He has been a starter 171 contests and has played 10,266 minutes. Blackwood's quality start rate comes out to 52.6% and he has 90 quality starting assignments in his NHL career. His opponents are averaging 3.08 goals per game and he has allowed 527 goals altogether.

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

Tony's Pick: Take Buffalo

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