Dallas Stars vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, 10/8/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Dallas Stars vs Buffalo Sabres

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026

Location: KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY

TV: Amazon Prime, MSG Network

Odds/Point Spread: Stars (-110) Sabres (-107)

KeyBank Center is where the Buffalo Sabres (2-1-0) will attempt to defeat the Dallas Stars (1-2-0) on Thursday. The line on this contest has the Stars at -110 and the Sabres are opening at -107. The over/under is 5.5.

The Dallas Stars were on the winning side of the scoreboard with a 5-0 win against the Sharks their last time out. Dallas had 4 penalty minutes in this matchup. The Stars had a solid offensive performance and it showed in this win. Furthermore, they had 3 chances with extra men on the ice but weren't able to score. For the game, they finished 5 out of the 26 shots they put on net.

Get all of our Free NHL Picks

Dallas Stars opponents have totaled 9 power play tries (23rd in the league) and have a total of 2 goals in those chances. The Stars have had 63 shots tried against them and are the owners of a save percentage of .905. Dallas has attempted 81 shots and holds a shot percentage of 7.4%. While at even strength, the Stars have conceded 4 goals while having 6 when they are on offense. Dallas is sitting with 8 power play chances and they have tallied 0 goals out of those chances, giving them a rate of 0.00%. For the season, the have a total of 2 points and their points percentage sits at .333. Regarding their scoring, the Dallas Stars have accumulated 6 goals (29th in the league) on the season and have allowed 6.

The player guarding the cage in this matchup is Jake Oettinger. In his career, Oettinger has compiled 175 quality starts and his quality starts rate is .587. His save percentage is at .910 during his 17,650 minutes between the pipes. Oettinger has had 8,311 shot attempts taken against him and has recorded 7,563 saves. The opposition has notched 748 goals versus Oettinger in his pro career and his goals against average per contest is 2.51. He has accumulated a mark of 185-79-33 and got the start in 298 games. Oettinger has been in goal for 307 games over the course of his NHL career.

In their last game, Buffalo faced the Wild in an outing where the Sabres earned a victory by a mark of 3-2. The Sabres notched 3 goals out of the 28 shots on goal they were seeking. They had 2 power play opportunities in this matchup but were not able to net one.

On the campaign, the Buffalo Sabres have accounted for 10 goals, 4 points, in addition to a points percentage of .667. They have granted a total of 11 goals to be scored by of a combination of 8 goals at even strength and 3 goals while they were shorthanded. The Sabres are sitting with 10 goals at even strength and 0 goals (29th in the league) while having a power play advantage. They have earned 10 power play chances and they have accumulated a power play percentage of 0.00%. Buffalo has taken 82 shots (17th in professional hockey) and has earned a shooting percentage of 12.20%, while allowing the other team 58 shots. They have a penalty kill rate of 66.67% on the other teams 9 power play opportunities, and their save percentage is currently 81.0%.

Across the ice you are going to see Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen defending the net. Luukkonen has amassed a career mark of 94-75-18 and has played in 192 games. Luukkonen's percentage of quality starts comes out to 54.5% and he has accumulated 102 quality starts in his career. He has recorded 4,859 saves out of the 5,405 shots attempted against him, which gives him a save % of .899. Opponents are averaging 2.92 goals per game and he has conceded 546 goals altogether. He has made the start in 187 games and has played for a total of 10,916 minutes.

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

Tony's Pick: Take Dallas (-110)

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

Get NHL picks on every single game, or if you want our very best bets by the experts, sign up for your free $60 account with a guarantee.