Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, 1/20/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres

Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024

Location: KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY

TV: MSG Network

The Buffalo Sabres (19-21-4) will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning (22-17-5) at KeyBank Center on Saturday.

The Tampa Bay Lightning went home feeling good about their game by earning a 5-1 win over the Ducks their last time out. Tampa Bay accumulated 20 minutes in the box in this game. They also had 3 power play opportunities and were able to net 3 goals. The Lightning had a solid offensive outing and it was apparent in this victory. In the matchup, they netted 5 out of the 41 shots they put on goal.

At even strength, the Lightning have conceded 125 goals while getting 104 of their own. Tampa Bay Lightning opponents have tallied 122 power play opportunities (29th in the NHL) and have scored 24 goals in those chances. In reference to scoring goals, the Tampa Bay Lightning have tallied 145 goals (7th in the National Hockey League) this year and have allowed 149. Tampa Bay has attempted 1,327 shots and holds a shot percentage of 10.9%. For the year, they have earned 49 points and their points percentage is .557. The Lightning so far have had 1,321 shots attempted against them and hold a save percentage of .887. Tampa Bay has tallied 139 power play opportunities and they have notched 41 goals during those advantages, garnering them a percentage of 29.50%.

The player in the crease for this game is Andrei Vasilevskiy. Vasilevskiy has been in net for 446 matchups during his professional hockey career. He has compiled a win-loss mark of 275-132-28 and he started in 436 games. Opponents have scored 1,110 goals against Vasilevskiy in his career and his goals against rate is 2.54. Vasilevskiy has had 13,493 shots against him and has amassed 12,383 total saves. His save percentage currently is at .918 during his 26,225 minutes between the pipes. Throughout his time in hockey, Vasilevskiy has recorded 247 quality starts and his rate for quality starts is .567.

When they took the ice last, Buffalo went up against the Sharks in a matchup where the Sabres notched a victory by a mark of 3-0. They had 2 power play opportunities in this matchup and recorded 1 out of those chances. The Sabres scored 3 goals out of the 35 shots on goal they tried.

Buffalo has tried 1,372 shots (11th in hockey) and has accumulated a shooting percentage of 9.48%, while allowing the other team 1,298 shots. They have a penalty kill rate of 79.10% on their oppositions 134 opportunities on the power play, and their save percentage is 89.1%. They have earned 125 power play chances and they have a power play rate of 14.40%. The Sabres have tallied 112 goals at even strength and 18 goals (28th in the league) while on the power play. They have granted a total of 142 goals to be scored by of a combination of 114 goals at even strength and 28 goals while they had less men on the ice. Over the course of the season, the Buffalo Sabres have accumulated 130 goals, 42 points, as well as a points percentage of .477.

On the other side of the ice you will find Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen protecting the net. Luukkonen has accrued a career mark of 30-28-8 and has been in goal for 68 contests. Luukkonen's quality start rate comes out to 48.4% and he has earned 31 quality starts in his professional career. He has accounted for 1,867 saves out of the 2,075 shots taken, which gives him a save percentage of .900. Opponents are averaging 3.25 goals/game and he has allowed 208 goals altogether. He has started in 64 contests and has accumulated 3,844 mins.

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

Guy's Pick: Take Tampa Bay

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