Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, 3/12/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026

Location: KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY

TV: MSG Network

KeyBank Center is the site where the Buffalo Sabres (40-19-6) will take on the Washington Capitals (32-26-7) on Thursday.

The Washington Capitals were on the right side of the scoreboard with a 7-3 victory against the Flames in the last game they played. Washington accumulated 2 penalty minutes in this outing. The Capitals played really well in this victory. Moreover, they had 3 chances on the power play and were able to score 1 goal. For the game, they earned a goal on 7 out of the 29 shots they attempted.

With respect to their scoring capabilities, the Washington Capitals have notched 206 goals (14th in hockey) so far this year and have given up 190. For the current campaign, they have earned 71 points and their points % is .546. Washington has accounted for 195 power play chances and they have notched 32 goals during those advantages, giving them a percentage of 16.41%. At even strength, the Capitals let the opposition score 146 goals while having 174 of their own. Washington has attempted 1,884 shots and has a shot percentage of 10.9%. The Capitals have had 1,824 shots attempted against them and have a save percentage of .896. Washington Capitals opponents have amassed 206 power play opportunities (3rd in the league) and have notched 44 goals in those chances.

The player guarding the cage in this matchup is Charlie Lindgren. Lindgren has been in goal for 168 games throughout his pro hockey career. He has a win-loss record of 81-60-18 and he was named the starter in 158 games. Opponents have racked up 458 goals versus Lindgren in his career and his average for goals against per game is 2.90. Lindgren has had 4,697 shots against him and he has 4,239 total saves. He has a save percentage of .902 in his 7,944 mins in the crease. For his career, Lindgren has earned 81 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is .513.

In their last game, Buffalo opposed the Sharks in a game where the Sabres notched a win by a final score of 6-3. The Sabres recorded 6 goals out of the 26 shots on goal they were seeking. They had 1 opportunity on the power play in this game but weren't able to score a goal.

The Sabres have tallied 187 goals at even strength and 41 goals (15th in hockey) while having a power play advantage. Buffalo has tried 1,825 shots (15th in the league) and has a shot percentage of 12.49%, while allowing their opponents 1,938 shots. This season, the Buffalo Sabres have tallied 228 goals, 86 points, and a points percentage of .662. They have allowed 196 goals to be scored by of a combination of 165 goals at even strength and 31 goals while they were shorthanded. They have earned 197 power play opportunities and they have accumulated a power play rate of 20.81%. They have earned a penalty kill percentage of 82.49% on the other teams 177 chances on the power play, and their save percentage is 89.9%.

Across the ice you are likely to see Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in net. His opposition is averaging 2.96 goals/game and he has surrendered 518 goals overall. Luukkonen's percentage of quality starts comes in at 54.3% and he has made 95 quality starts in his hockey career. He has started in 175 games and has accumulated 8,274 minutes. Luukkonen has accumulated a lifetime record of 86-72-17 and has been in net for 180 games. He has racked up 4,596 saves out of the 5,114 shots attempted, giving him a percentage of .899.

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

Tony's Pick: Take Washington

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