When the Buffalo Sabres take on the Florida Panthers, all eyes should be on Tage Thompson. Why? Well, to put it simply, the man has been on fire in away games lately. He’s been finding the back of the net in four out of his last six away games, averaging a whopping 0.8 goals per match, and taking an impressive 4.2 shots each time he gets on the ice. Although his overall hit streak is currently at zero, let's not forget that he's scored in 11 out of his last 20 games. So, despite playing on the Panthers' turf, Thompson’s recent form, combined with his propensity to strike gold on the road, makes him a tantalizing pick in the 'Anytime Goalscorer' market. Throw in an implied probability of 42.6% and it's hard to ignore Thompson's scoring potential.
Florida Panthers vs Buffalo Sabres : Buffalo Sabres win (-105)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
Ladies and gents, let's take a moment to talk about the upcoming match between the Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres. The Panthers have been struggling on their home ice, winning just one of their last five, while the Sabres have been showing some hustle on the road, taking home three in their last five outings. The Panthers have been facing a goal deficit, averaging just 0.4 goals per game at home compared to the Sabres' higher average of 1.4 on enemy ice. Moreover, the Panthers are eating pucks at an average of 3 goals against per game while the Sabres have managed to limit the damage to 2.4. Based on recent form and performance, our money's on the Buffalo boys turning up the heat in the Sunshine State. Buckle up for a thrilling showdown!
Alex Lyon (Buffalo Sabres) Under 28.5 Saves (-122)
Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing
Alex Lyon, Buffalo Sabres' goalie, is hitting the ice against the Florida Panthers in an away game, and we're eyeing his 'Under 28.5' line in the 'Player Total Saves' market. While Lyon's recent performance might raise eyebrows, a closer look tells a different tale. In his last five away games, he's averaged 27.2 saves, slightly below our target. On average, he's faced 29.2 shots in these games, hinting at the Panthers' offensive strategy. Moreover, his away games hit rate is compelling; he's come under the line in 14 out of the last 18 games. Lyon has been consistent too, with an overall average of 31.2 saves. Despite a recent hiccup in his hit streak, trends indicate a stronger likelihood of Lyon falling short of the 28.5 saves mark. It seems the Sabres' netminder is more likely to be playing the puck than blocking it this
Florida Panthers vs Buffalo Sabres : Buffalo Sabres +1.5 (-263)
Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing
The Buffalo Sabres are on the verge of a momentum shift, having shown a glimmer of resilience in their last 5 away games with a 3-2 record. They've consistently outperformed the Florida Panthers in terms of goals, netting an average of 1.4 per game compared to Florida's 0.4. The Panthers, on the other hand, have been struggling with their home form, winning only one of their last five games at home. Their goals against average stands at a worrying 3, indicative of a porous defense. Most telling perhaps, is their lack of game-winning goals. This indicates a lack of crunch time potency. Considering these factors, it's safe to say that backing the Sabres with a 1.5 puck line seems like a reasonable move. The Panthers will need to dig deep to turn around their current form, but for now, the Sabres hold the edge.