Buffalo Sabres vs Utah Hockey Club Pick – 3/20/2025

The Buffalo Sabres are set to face the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. This inter-conference matchup features two teams with contrasting seasons, each aiming to secure a crucial victory.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Utah Hockey Club Game Preview

The Buffalo Sabres enter this game with a 27-33-6 record, placing them at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Despite their struggles, the Sabres have shown signs of improvement, winning three of their last five games. Their recent 3-2 overtime victory against the Boston Bruins highlighted their resilience, with Owen Power contributing a goal and two assists. Tage Thompson continues to lead the team offensively, amassing 59 points this season, including 34 goals. However, Buffalo's road performance has been subpar, with a 10-19-3 record away from home. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 3.5 goals per game, ranking them 29th in the league. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has struggled, posting a 3.16 goals-against average (GAA) and a .888 save percentage.

On the other hand, the Utah Hockey Club holds a 30-27-11 record and remains in contention for a Western Conference wildcard spot, trailing the Vancouver Canucks by four points. Utah has experienced mixed results recently, with a 2-2-2 record over their past six games. Their most recent outing was a 7-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, marking their largest defeat of the season. Despite this setback, Utah has been competitive at home, boasting a 13-13-7 record. Clayton Keller has been a standout performer, leading the team with 75 points, including 24 goals and 51 assists. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka has provided stability between the pipes, recording a 2.50 GAA and a .908 save percentage.

Betting Insights

For bettors analyzing this matchup, several factors come into play:

• Moneyline: Utah Hockey Club is favored at -175, while the Buffalo Sabres are underdogs at +145.
• Puck Line: Utah -1.5 (+140); Buffalo +1.5 (-170).
• Over/Under: Set at 6 goals, with both the over and under at -110.

Key betting trends to consider:

• Buffalo has lost eight of their last ten road games, indicating struggles away from home.
• Utah has won three of their last five home games, showcasing a solid performance on home ice.
• The previous meeting between these teams resulted in a 5-2 victory for Utah, suggesting a favorable matchup for the home team.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Utah Hockey Club Prediction

Considering the current form and statistical analysis, the Utah Hockey Club appears to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their pursuit of a playoff spot adds motivation, and their home performance has been commendable. Conversely, Buffalo's road struggles and defensive vulnerabilities present challenges. While the Sabres have shown resilience in recent games, Utah's offensive capabilities, led by Clayton Keller, and more reliable goaltending from Karel Vejmelka provide a significant advantage. Therefore, the prediction leans towards a Utah victory, potentially covering the -1.5 puck line. Bettors might also consider the under on the total goals, given both teams' recent scoring trends and Utah's defensive strengths at home.

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