Buffalo Sabres (20-22-4) vs. Los Angeles Kings (22-13-8)
Buffalo Sabres vs. Los Angeles Kings 1/24/24 – As the NHL regular season continues its thrilling journey, an exciting matchup looms on the horizon with the Buffalo Sabres squaring off against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday. This encounter is not just a clash of teams but also of strategies and skills, with NHL expert picks keeping a close eye on the unfolding dynamics. Set in the iconic Crypto.com Arena, this game promises to be a critical test for both teams as they push for supremacy in the league.
The Buffalo Sabres bring an engaging offensive gameplay despite their fluctuating win-loss record, thanks to team leaders like Casey Mittelstadt and Rasmus Dahlin demonstrating their skills on the ice. Mittelstadt stands as an anchor in their offensive thrust while Dahlin adds aggression and precision in forward movements – key assets against Kings’ resilience and tactical knowledge that may determine the game’s course.
Los Angeles Kings’ offensive roster boasts a potency led by players like Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe, with Kopitar amassing 39 points comprised of 14 goals and 25 assists while Kempe boasting similar stats but with slightly more goals scored adds depth and variability to their offensive strategies. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, their powerful attack will come up against inconsistent defensive measures from Buffalo Sabres which possess the capability to rise to any challenge presented.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Los Angeles Kings 1/24/24 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen vs. Goaltender Cam Talbot
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has filled in admirably this season for the Sabres, posting an 11-12-2 record along with a .908 save percentage. With Buffalo struggling defensively, Luukkonen faces a lot of shots and high-danger chances every night. Going on the road to face a Kings team averaging 3.26 goals per contest, Luukkonen will need to be sharp to give his team a chance. The upside is there, but it’s a tough matchup.
Cam Talbot sports a 14-11-5 mark in net this season for the Kings along with a .915 save percentage. Talbot faces slightly less rubber than his counterpart, benefitting from LA’s stronger team defense. The veteran excels at even strength and has shown resilience bouncing back from subpar performances. Expect Talbot to turn aside enough Sabres chances to pick up another win at home.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but they will undoubtedly reflect the closely matched nature of these two teams. Bettors and fans alike will be keen to see how the odds shape up, providing insights into which team holds the edge in this encounter.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Trends
The Buffalo Sabres enter this contest in the midst of an up and down season so far. Their record currently stands at 20-22-4, as they’ve struggled for consistency. The Sabres have won just 2 of their last 5 games. Despite that, they’ve shown an ability to cover spreads, going 3-2 against the number in their last 5 matches. On the road, Buffalo boasts a 14-8 record against the spread. So while they haven’t found victories consistently, they often at least keep games close. The Sabres offense runs hot and cold, but trends over of late. Buffalo has seen the total go over in just 1 of their previous 5 contests. Looking over a wider lens, the over has connected in 8 of the Sabres last 24 road games. So in most recent action, low scoring affairs have been more common.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Trends
The Los Angeles Kings ride momentum into this home contest, having won 4 of their last 5 games outright. That hot streak has moved their overall record to 22-13-8 on the campaign. Surprisingly though, success against the spread hasn’t followed. The Kings have failed to cover in 4 consecutive outings despite the victories. Playing at Crypto.com Arena has treated them well this season, with a 12-10 home record versus the number. Los Angeles games also tend to feature scoring, evidenced by the over hitting in 9 of their last 21 at home. Most recently, totals have stayed under in 4 of the Kings past 5 matchups overall. While that sample represents a short-term shift, Los Angeles games frequently produce overs on home ice.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Los Angeles Kings 1/24/24 Betting Picks
In analyzing the game’s dynamics, it’s evident that both teams have their strengths and vulnerabilities. The Sabres’ offensive flair, led by Mittelstadt and Dahlin, will be pivotal in breaking through the Kings’ defense. However, the Kings, with Talbot’s reliability in goal, might just have the edge in maintaining a solid defensive front.
Considering the teams’ recent trends and key players’ performances, the prediction leans slightly in favor of the Los Angeles Kings. Their consistent form and home advantage could prove decisive. However, the Sabres’ capability to upset the odds, especially on the road, should not be underestimated.
In terms of prop bets and over/under, the game could see a moderate number of goals, with both goaltenders playing a significant role. The best sports handicapping advice would be to closely watch the odds for any shifts that reflect insider confidence or emerging trends.
Free Pick and Prediction: Los Angeles Kings 3, Buffalo Sabres 2