Ottawa Senators vs Buffalo Sabres Pick – 3/25/2025

The Ottawa Senators are set to face the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY. This game features two Atlantic Division teams with contrasting recent performances, making it an intriguing contest for hockey enthusiasts and bettors alike.

Ottawa Senators vs Buffalo Sabres Game Preview

The Ottawa Senators enter the game with a record of 36-26-5, including a 16-17-3 mark on the road. They have been inconsistent lately, posting a 4-5-1 record over their last ten games. Offensively, the Senators average 2.94 goals per game, ranking them 21st in the league. Their power play operates at a 23.3% success rate, placing them 10th overall. Defensively, Ottawa allows 2.85 goals per game, ranking 10th in the NHL.

Key players for the Senators include center Tim Stützle, who leads the team with 68 points (20 goals, 48 assists), and left winger Brady Tkachuk, who has contributed 27 goals and 13 power-play goals.

On the other side, the Buffalo Sabres hold a 27-33-6 record, with a 17-14-3 record at home. They have struggled recently, going 3-7-0 in their last ten games. The Sabres average 3.12 goals per game, ranking 12th in the league, but their power play is less effective at 17.9%, placing them 27th. Defensively, Buffalo allows 3.50 goals per game, ranking 29th in the NHL.

Center Tage Thompson leads the Sabres with 59 points (34 goals, 25 assists), while defenseman Rasmus Dahlin has added 40 assists.

Betting Insights

As of the latest available information, the betting odds are as follows:

• Moneyline: Buffalo Sabres -135, Ottawa Senators +115
• Puck Line: Buffalo Sabres -1.5 (+175)
• Total Goals: Over/Under 6.5

These odds suggest that the Sabres are slight favorites, likely due to their home-ice advantage and recent head-to-head success against the Senators.

In terms of player prop bets, consider the following anytime goalscorer odds:

• Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa): +110
• Tage Thompson (Buffalo): +165
• Alex Tuch (Buffalo): +190
• Claude Giroux (Ottawa): +225
• Shane Pinto (Ottawa): +225

These odds reflect the likelihood of each player scoring a goal during the game.

Ottawa Senators vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction

Analyzing the current form and statistics of both teams, the Buffalo Sabres appear to have a slight edge in this matchup. Despite their recent struggles, the Sabres have performed better at home, winning 5 of their last 6 games at KeyBank Center. Additionally, they have won 6 of their last 8 home games against the Senators.

Goaltending could be a decisive factor. Buffalo's Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been solid, posting a .198 save percentage and a 2.34 goals-against average since February 1st. In contrast, Ottawa's goaltenders, Jonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg, have save percentages below .900 and goals-against averages above 3.20.

Considering these factors, the prediction is that the Buffalo Sabres will secure a victory in this game. Bettors might consider taking the Sabres on the moneyline at -135 or the puck line at -1.5 (+175) for better value. Additionally, the over/under is set at 6.5 goals, and given both teams' offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities, the over could be a viable option.

As always, it's important to monitor any last-minute lineup changes or injuries that could impact the game's outcome. Betting should be approached responsibly, considering all available information and personal risk tolerance.

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