We are now at the stage in the NHL season where the battle for those coveted playoff spots really starts to get interesting. The top teams in the league, of which there are not that many at this point, are starting to pull away from the pack, but the battle for Wild Card places is one that is going to go on all the way until the final week of the regular season. The second half of the season is going to be huge for the teams sitting just off the playoff pace, especially in the Western Conference, where the race for those final two Wild Card spots is about as tight as it gets.
The Dallas Stars are holding on to one of the final positions, but there are a handful of teams below the playoff line that are all well within reach. Over in the Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres are sitting below the playoff line, but they are just a couple of points off the pace. The Stars are favored by a goal and a half, with the goal total for this one set at 5 ½.
Sabres vs Stars NHL Betting Lines & Expert Analysis
Conor Sheary on the road win: “A strong start, and all around good work ethic through the night.” #Sabres pic.twitter.com/CED8iWafOn
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) 30 de enero de 2019
- When: Wednesday, January 30 at 8 PM EST
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
- TV: NBCSN
- Radio: TuneIn
- Live Stream: NHL.tv
- NHL Betting Lines: Dallas Stars -1.5 (Total 5.5)
Lightning vs Penguins NHL Week 18 Odds & Game Preview
Why bet on the Buffalo Sabres?
The Sabres ended the first half of the season on a bit of a slide, but they have signaled their intent early on, beating the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 in their first game back after the break. That was a big win, one that pulled them to within 2 points of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.Despite that win, the Sabres are still just 4-6 in their last 10 games, while also sitting a game below .500 in road games at 11-12-3. If Buffalo is to make a move that gets them into the postseason, they are going to need to find a way to generate some offense, as they are sitting middle of the pack with 2.9 GPG this season.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 2.96
- Shots: 32.39
- PP/PK Percentage: 16.78
Defense
- Goals: 3.02
- Shots: 32.73
- PP/PK Percentage: 18.38
Why bet on the Dallas Stars?
The Dallas Stars would be in the playoffs if the season ended today, but that position is by no means guaranteed moving forward, especially if they continue on their current run of form. The Stars are coming into this one on the heels of a win in their last game out, but they are still just 4-5-1 in their last 10 games.
There are no less than 5 teams currently sitting below the playoff line that is within 3 points of the Dallas Stars right now, so it’s more than fair to suggest that their position is precarious. The Stars have won 3 straight games versus the Sabres, but perhaps more importantly, they have won each of the last 6 home meetings with Buffalo. This season, the Stars are 15-8-2 on home ice.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 2.57
- Shots: 30.22
- PP/PK Percentage: 20.61
Defense
- Goals: 2.61
- Shots: 30.78
- PP/PK Percentage: 16.89
Sabres vs Stars NHL Betting Trends
- Buffalo is 16-2 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
- Buffalo is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo’s last 5 games on the road
- Dallas is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
- Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas’s last 6 games
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
These are a pair of teams locked in serious playoff battles in their respective conferences, so it’s fair to suggest that this is a big game for both teams. I think the Stars have the edge at home here, so I am taking them to win a close one.Score: Buffalo Sabres 2 – Dallas Stars 3
