Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction, 11/12/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Location: United Center in Chicago, IL

TV: MSG Network, Chicago Sports Network

The Chicago Blackhawks (4-13-1) welcome the Buffalo Sabres (8-6-3) at United Center on Thursday.

The Buffalo Sabres were on the wrong end of the scoreboard with a 4-1 loss to the Golden Knights in their previous contest . Buffalo amassed 6 penalty mins in this matchup. In addition, they had 3 power play opportunities but weren't able to score a goal. The Sabres didn't have their best offensive outing in the defeat. For the outing, they were able to notch a goal on 1 of the 29 shots they attempted.

When playing at even strength, the Sabres have allowed the opponent to score 39 goals while getting 42 as an offensive unit. Buffalo Sabres opponents have earned 59 power play tries (14th in the league) and have notched 17 goals in those attempts. When discussing their goal scoring prowess, the Buffalo Sabres have accumulated 50 goals (21st in the National Hockey League) over the course of the season and have allowed 56. Buffalo has taken 483 shots and holds a shot percentage of 10.4%. For the current season, they have tallied 19 points and their points percentage sits at .559. The Sabres have had 461 shots taken against them and hold a save percentage of .879. Buffalo comes into tonight with 56 power play opportunities and they have notched 8 goals during those advantages, earning them a percentage of 14.29%.

The player between the pipes for this game is Colten Ellis. Opponents have been able to score 64 goals versus Ellis in his pro hockey career and his goals against average per contest is 3.05. Ellis has participated in 23 games over the course of his hockey career. His save percentage currently is at .898 for his 53 mins played. He has accumulated a win-loss record of 11-7-2 and got the start in 21 games. For his professional hockey career, Ellis has earned 10 quality starts and his rate for quality starts is .476. Ellis has had 628 shot attempts taken against him and he has 564 total saves.

Their last time out, Chicago played the Lightning in a game where the Blackhawks went home in defeat by a tally of 4-1. They had 1 attempt on the power play in this matchup but didn't score a goal. The Blackhawks recorded 1 goal out of the 26 shots on goal they took.

For the year, the Chicago Blackhawks are sitting with 39 goals, 9 points, as well as a points percentage of .250. They have allowed 76 goals to be scored by way of 64 goals at even strength and 12 goals while they had less men on the ice. The Blackhawks have accumulated 34 goals at even strength and 5 goals (32nd in hockey) while having more men on the ice. They have a total of 51 power play chances and they have earned a power play percentage of 9.80%. Chicago has taken 413 shots (30th in professional hockey) and has accumulated a shot percentage of 9.44%, while allowing the opposition 552 shots. They have recorded a penalty kill rate of 78.57% on their opponents 56 power play tries, and their save percentage currently sits at 86.2%.

Across the ice you are going to see Spencer Knight between the pipes. He has accounted for 4,155 stops out of 4,609 shots taken, which gives him a save percentage of .901. Knight has a lifetime record of 72-68-20 and has participated in 164 contests. He got the starting nod in 154 games and has played 391 mins. Knight's quality start percentage sits at 50.0% and he has made 77 quality starts in his hockey career. His opposition is averaging 2.95 goals per game and he has yielded 455 goals in total.

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

Guy's Pick: Take Chicago

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here