Buffalo Sabres (11-14-3) vs. Colorado Avalanche (16-9-2)
Buffalo Sabres vs. Colorado Avalanche 12/13/23 – As the NHL regular season progresses, a riveting matchup is on the horizon with the Buffalo Sabres clashing against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. The Sabres, holding a record of 11-14-3, are gearing up to challenge the Avalanche, who stand at a stronger 16-9-2. This game, set to unfold at the renowned Ball Arena and broadcasted on TNT, promises to be a showcase of skill and strategy. Fans and bettors alike eagerly anticipate the game, seeking daily free insights to inform their views and wagers.
The Buffalo Sabres offense runs through a trio of forwards in Casey Mittelstadt, Rasmus Dahlin and Jeff Skinner, who have combined for 64 points. However, scoring depth has been an issue, as they average just 2.82 goals per game as a team. They’ll be facing an Avalanche defense led by Cale Makar that gives up 3.04 goals against per contest. If Buffalo’s secondary scorers can chip in, they could take advantage of Colorado’s shaky defensive play of late.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche sport one of the league’s most dynamic attacks with Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar powering the offense. Together they’ve notched 102 points already. Facing them will be an underwhelming Sabres defense that allows 3.43 goals per game. With Buffalo likely missing injured top blueliner Mattias Samuelsson, the Avs’ offensive stars could be poised for big nights.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Colorado Avalanche 12/13/23 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ball Arena |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen vs. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has posted respectable numbers including a .907 save percentage for the league’s 5th-worst defense. His 2.81 goals against average is somewhat misleading given the quality of chances Buffalo allows each night. If he can recapture the composed, confident form he showed during a scintillating six-win November, Luukkonen could single-handedly keep the Sabres competitive against Colorado’s dangerous attack. Though still prone to getting caught out of position at times, he has demonstrated poise beyond his years and gives Buffalo a fighting chance if he’s locked in. While his numbers don’t stand out, Luukkonen has outplayed expectations behind a porous Sabres defense. If he can maintain the .907 save percentage and avoid allowing soft goals, he will give his team a shot to hang around on the road.
The Avalanche will look to starter Alexandar Georgiev to bounce back after a rare blip in performance recently. Georgiev allowed 11 total goals in his last 3 starts, ballooning his GAA to 2.87 after it sat below 2.00 last month. Fatigue could be a factor for the heavy-worked starter who has already appeared in 77% of Colorado’s games despite not opening as the clear #1. If he can’t quickly right the ship and return to the solid, steady form he showed throughout October and November, the Avs could suddenly have concerns in net based on backup continued injury troubles.
Georgiev has come back down to earth in recent weeks as his save percentage has dipped under .900. His troubles seem tied to both overwork and defensive lapses in front of him resulting in grade-A chances. If the Avalanche hope to get back on track and take pressure off their goalie, they’ll need to limit buffalo’s slot looks and second-chance opportunities.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
While the betting odds remain to be determined, the matchup suggests a closely contested game. Bettors should closely monitor the moneyline and total odds as they become available, using them as a guide for potential wagers.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Trends
The Sabres have shown a mixed bag in their recent games, with a 2-3 record in their last 5 matchups. However, their performance against the spread in road games (10-5) indicates a capacity to outperform expectations. The trend of totals going OVER in only 1 of their last 5 games suggests a tendency towards lower-scoring affairs, a factor that bettors should consider.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Trends
The Avalanche, mirroring the Sabres, hold a 3-2 record in their last 5 games. Their performance against the spread in road games (5-9) indicates some inconsistency. However, the tendency of totals going OVER in 8 of their last 13 home games suggests that high-scoring games are common when the Avalanche play at home.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Colorado Avalanche 12/13/23 Betting Picks
Given the analysis and betting trends, this game appears to be a clash of contrasting styles. The Sabres, with their potent offense but weaker defense, will face an Avalanche team that balances a strong offense with a more consistent defense. This matchup could very well hinge on the performance of the goaltenders and the ability of each team’s defense to mitigate the offensive threats.
In terms of betting, the safer pick seems to lean towards the Avalanche, especially given their home advantage and more consistent play. Prop bets could focus on individual performances, especially those of key players like MacKinnon and Mittelstadt. For the over/under, considering the Avalanche’s trend towards high-scoring home games, an OVER bet might be worth considering. Of course, these are merely expert premium tips and should be weighed alongside personal judgment and the latest game-day information.
Free Pick and Prediction: Colorado Avalanche 6, Buffalo Sabres 3.