Los Angeles Kings vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, 1/29/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Los Angeles Kings vs Buffalo Sabres

Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026

Location: KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY

TV: MSG Network

KeyBank Center is where the Buffalo Sabres (29-17-5) will meet the Los Angeles Kings (21-16-13) on Thursday.

The Los Angeles Kings had a decent effort after finishing in a 4-4 tie against the Blues in their previous contest . Los Angeles garnered 13 penalty mins in this outing. The Kings had a solid offensive output and it showed in this game. Furthermore, they had 3 chances on the power play but weren't able to score. For the outing, they scored on 4 of the 28 shots they put on goal.

When it comes to their scoring capabilities, the Los Angeles Kings have earned 130 goals (30th in the league) for the year and have surrendered 137. For the current campaign, they have accumulated 55 points and their points percentage comes in at .550. Los Angeles is sitting with 151 power play opportunities and they have notched 23 goals during those chances, giving them a rate of 15.23%. When playing at even strength, the Kings have allowed the opponent to score 100 goals while scoring 107 of their own. Los Angeles has tried 1,391 shots and holds a shooting percentage of 9.4%. The Kings have had 1,356 shots tried against them and have earned a save percentage of .899. Los Angeles Kings opponents have tallied 163 power play tries (8th in the NHL) and have racked up 37 goals in those chances.

The man protecting the net in this game is Darcy Kuemper. Over the course of his time in hockey, Kuemper has earned 252 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is at .559. His save percentage is at .914 in his 23,346 minutes between the pipes. Kuemper has seen 13,192 shots against him and has recorded 12,056 saves. Opponents have been able to score 1,136 goals versus Kuemper in his pro hockey career and his goals against average per contest is 2.52. He has accumulated a record of 222-155-62 and was named the starter in 451 games. Kuemper has taken the ice for 472 contests over the course of his professional hockey career.

Their last time out, Buffalo faced the Islanders in an outing where the Sabres notched a victory by a final of 5-0. The Sabres earned 5 goals out of the 21 shots on goal they pursued. They had 2 power play opportunities in this game but didn't score a goal.

The Sabres have earned 141 goals at even strength and 28 goals (21st in the league) while on the power play. Buffalo has attempted 1,400 shots (22nd in professional hockey) and has earned a shot percentage of 12.07%, while allowing their opponents 1,513 shots. During this campaign, the Buffalo Sabres have notched a total of 169 goals, 63 points, and a points percentage of .618. They have granted a total of 155 goals to be scored by of a combination of 132 goals at even strength and 23 goals while they had less men on the ice. They have earned 149 chances on the power play and they have a power play rate of 18.79%. They have a penalty kill rate of 83.57% on their opponents 140 power play chances, and their save percentage sits at 89.8%.

Across the rink you are likely to see Alex Lyon in the crease. Lyon is the owner of a career mark of 63-44-14 and has participated in 136 games. Lyon's percentage of quality starts sits at 54.5% and he has qualified for 66 quality starts in his professional career. He has compiled 3,364 saves out of the 3,724 shots attempted, which gives him a rate of .903. Opponents are averaging 2.98 goals per game and he has allowed 360 goals altogether. He has started in 121 games and has been on the ice for 6,042 mins.

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

Guy's Pick: Take Buffalo

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