The Buffalo Sabres (22-26-5) travel to face off against the Nashville Predators (18-28-7) on Saturday, February 8th. This game will be played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville and televised on ESPN+. The Predators are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Sabres are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Red Wings. Puck drop is set for 8:00 ET.

Sabres vs Predators

The Buffalo Sabres Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Buffalo’s 2-1 loss to the Red Wings dropped their record to 22-26-5. The Sabres were underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, with the teams combining for just 3.

Alex Tuch put the Sabres on the board first with a short-handed goal at 11:39 in the first period. However, the Red Wings responded with two power-play goals in the second period, both from Dylan Larkin, to secure the win.

The Nashville Predators Are Coming Off A Win

Nashville’s 5-2 win over the Avalanche improved their record to 18-28-7. The Predators covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, with the total of 7 goals surpassing the pre-game line of 6.5.

All five of Nashville’s goals came from different players. They fell behind 1-0 in the second period, but Steven Stamkos tied it up at 11:29 in the same period. The Predators then scored five unanswered goals to secure the win.

Buffalo Offense Breakdown

Buffalo’s offense struggled in their 2-1 loss to Detroit, managing just one goal on 32 shots. Alex Tuch netted his fifth goal of the season, scoring shorthanded at 8:21 in the first period.

The Sabres recorded 13 giveaways and failed to convert on the power play. Tuch led the team with five shots on goal.

Predators Offense Breakdown

Nashville’s offense found the net five times in their 5-2 win over Colorado. The Predators were held scoreless in the first period before Steven Stamkos netted his second goal of the season on a power play, and Colton Sissons followed with his first goal. Roman Josi added his first goal of the season, also on a power play. Filip Forsberg, with his 7th goal, and Gustav Nyquist, with his 4th, both scored on empty nets.

The Predators took 25 shots on goal and recorded 15 giveaways. They scored twice on power plays and wrapped up their scoring with two empty-netters. Nashville had 7 assists, including Roman Josi’s 6th of the season and Steven Stamkos’ 3rd.

Buffalo Team Defense

Buffalo’s defense will look to bounce back after giving up two second-period goals to Detroit in their last game, both coming on the power play. The Sabres had taken a 1-0 lead in the first period, but the defense couldn’t hold, allowing the tying goal at 12:11 in the 2nd and the game-winner at 5:22. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, and the Sabres’ defense finished with 5 takeaways and 17 hits.

Nashville Team Defense

Defensively, the Predators will look to tighten things up after allowing the first goal just 2:54 into the second period and another late in the third. However, Juuse Saros made 29 saves with a 93.5% save percentage, helping Nashville secure a 5-2 win. The Predators’ defense also contributed 4 takeaways and 23 hits.

Sabres vs Predators Trends

• When looking at their past five road matchups, Buffalo has an puck line record of 3-2 while averaging 3 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
• When looking at their past ten home matchups, Nashville has an puck line record of 4-6 while averaging 3 per game. The team went 6-4 overall in these games.
• As the betting underdog, the Predators have an puck line mark of just 2-3 in their last five games. Nashville posted a straight up mark of 2-3 in these matchups.
• Although the Sabres have a strong straight up record in their last five games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the puck line going 2-3.

Sabres vs Predators Prediction

When making a moneyline pick, my choice is the Predators to come out with a win against the Sabres while playing at home. Considering the moneyline odds at -138, I’m placing my bet on the Predators to win outright.

If you’re looking for my recommendation on the puck line, I suggest taking the Sabres to cover. Even if the Predators manage to win outright, this game is expected to remain competitive, and the Sabres should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.