Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, 3/8/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres

Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026

Location: KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY

TV: MSG Network

KeyBank Center is the location where the Buffalo Sabres (37-19-6) will play the Tampa Bay Lightning (38-18-4) on Sunday.

The Tampa Bay Lightning were on the wrong end of the scoreboard with a 4-1 loss against the Jets in their previous game. Tampa Bay accumulated 4 penalty mins in this outing. The Lightning left a lot to be desired in terms of their offense in the defeat. They also had 2 opportunities with more players on the ice and netted 1 goal. In the game, they netted 1 out of the 27 shots they put on net.

While playing at even strength, the Lightning let the opposition score 128 goals while earning 166 as an offensive unit. Tampa Bay Lightning opponents have tallied 190 power play opportunities (8th in hockey) and have a total of 32 goals in those attempts. Pertaining to their scoring, the Tampa Bay Lightning have accounted for 207 goals (7th in the NHL) so far this year and have allowed 160. Tampa Bay has tried 1,702 shots and has a shooting percentage of 12.2%. For the season, the have a total of 80 points and their points percentage is .667. The Lightning have had 1,603 shots taken against them and have earned a save percentage of .900. Tampa Bay steps onto the ice with 188 power play chances and they have scored 41 goals out of those tries, earning them a percentage of 21.81%.

Patrolling the crease for the game will be Jonas Johansson. Over the course of his time in hockey, Johansson is sitting with 39 quality starts and his percentage for quality starts is .438. His save percentage is at .890 for his 4,289 mins on the ice. Johansson has had 2,711 shots against him and has recorded 2,412 total saves. Opponents have been able to score 299 goals versus Johansson in his professional hockey career and his average for goals against per game is 3.36. He has compiled a win-loss mark of 42-34-13 and was named the starter in 89 games. Johansson has been in net for 101 matchups during his hockey career.

When they took the ice last, Buffalo faced off against the Penguins in a game where the Sabres took home the victory by a final of 5-1. They had 6 power play attempts in this matchup and scored 1 out of those tries. The Sabres scored 5 goals out of the 26 shots on goal they took.

Buffalo has taken 1,733 shots (17th in pro hockey) and has accumulated a shot percentage of 12.18%, while allowing the opposition 1,865 shots. They have earned a penalty kill rate of 83.43% on the other teams 169 tries on the power play, and their save percentage currently comes in at 90.1%. They have recorded 187 power play opportunities and they have earned a power play percentage of 19.79%. The Sabres have earned 174 goals at even strength and 37 goals (16th in the NHL) while on the power play. They have granted a total of 184 goals to be scored by of a combination of 156 goals at even strength and 28 goals while they were shorthanded. On the campaign, the Buffalo Sabres have earned a total of 211 goals, 80 points, and a points percentage of .645.

Across the rink you are going to see Alex Lyon patrolling the crease. Lyon has compiled a lifetime mark of 67-46-14 and has played in 142 games. Lyon's quality start percentage comes out to 55.1% and he has qualified for 70 quality starts in his hockey career. He has a tally of 3,547 saves out of 3,922 shots tried, giving him a save percentage of .904. His opposition is averaging 2.95 goals per game and he has yielded 375 goals altogether. He was named a starter in 127 games and has played for a total of 6,057 minutes.

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

Josh's Pick: Take Tampa Bay

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