The Buffalo Sabres (20-17-2) and their explosive offense play host to the Winnipeg Jets (26-14-1) and their stifling defense at KeyBank Center on Thursday. Winnipeg is coming off a high-scoring 7-5 loss against the Red Wings on Tuesday, ending a five-game winning streak.
The Jets took advantage of their power play opportunities, scoring once on three shots, while also conceding a power play goal. Five players found the net for the Jets. Connor Hellebuyck saved only 16 of 22 shots against (.727%) in the loss.
Buffalo is wrapping up a four-game homestand after a 4-3 loss against the Kraken on Tuesday. Alex Tuch was the leading goal scorer for the Sabres, netting twice. Eric Comrie saved only 18 of 22 shots against (.818%) in the loss.
HEAD TO HEAD
The teams split their two meetings last season, the last of which was a 3-2 (SO) victory for the Jets in March. Blake Wheeler scored Winnipeg’s only goal. Zemgus Girgensons (2G 0A) and Kyle Okposo (0G 2A) each had two points to lead Buffalo. Hellebuyck got the win, saving 35 of 37 shots (.945%).
FACING OFF
Winnipeg is averaging 3.34 goals per game for the season, 10th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Sabres team that is allowing 3.46 goals a game (24th). Meanwhile, Buffalo has found the net a league-best 3.87 times a game on average and will be looking to overpower the Jets’ stout defense, which is holding opponents to 2.68 goals per game (5th).
The Sabres’ 28.67% power play percentage is the second-best in the league, while the Jets rank 13th with a conversion rate of 23.81%. While efficient on the power play, Buffalo has been less successful at penalty killing, as the home team owns the league’s fourth-lowest PK% at 72.44%. Winnipeg’s 82.46% ranks sixth in the NHL.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 50 and 48 points this season, Kyle Connor and Pierre-Luc Dubois have been the top skaters for the Jets. Connor is the ninth-leading point scorer in the NHL. In the net, Hellebuyck (20-9-1) is Winnipeg’s top goaltender.
He has a 2.30 GAA, fifth-best in the league, and a .928% save percentage, second-best. Tage Thompson leads the Sabres in scoring with 57 points (5th in the league). He has 31 goals (3rd in the league) and 26 assists. Craig Anderson (7-6-1) has the best goals against average for Buffalo at 2.71. He has a save percentage of .921%.
HOME AND AWAY
Winnipeg is 10-8-1 on the road this season. Buffalo is 9-10-2 at home this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Winnipeg Jets (-130)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
