The Calgary Flames erased a multi-goal deficit in the 3rd period to earn a hard-earned point in Boston last time out, and they’ll attempt to get another positive result to end their three-game road trip on a high this afternoon against the Buffalo Sabres.
My Flames vs Sabres predictions see Daniel Vladar building on his excellent run of play in a low-scoring matinee.
Let’s break things down further in my NHL picks for November 9.
Flames vs Sabres prediction
My Flames pick
Under 6.5 (-125 at BET99)
My Flames analysis
Daniel Vladar conceded five goals against the Vancouver Canucks in the season opener but has really tightened the screws since — allowing three goals or fewer in five of his past six starts.
His numbers have been exceptional in that span. Vladar has managed a .923 SV% across all situations, good for third among all starting goaltenders.
Star netminders like Jake Oettinger, Connor Hellebuyck, and Ilya Sorokin are just a few who are nipping at the heels of Vladar in that span... certainly good company to be keeping.
Vladar finds himself in a good spot to build on his recent form. The Buffalo Sabres haven't tested goaltenders heavily of late, ranking 21st in shots and 29th in expected goals generated at 5v5 over their last 10 games.
They've struggled to figure out their power play as well, ranking 30th in expected goals during that period.
The Calgary Flames rank 15th in expected goals allowed and ninth in goals against at 5-on-5 over the last 10 games. They have also done a good job of limiting the amount of penalties they take.
Calgary’s defense should be able to hold its own in this spot. It has a hot goaltender, and the pace of play could be a bit sluggish given such an early start time. It’s hard to envision a ceiling offensive performance for the Sabres.
On the flip side, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has played exceptionally well of late. He’s conceded just four goals over his past three games and managed a .954 SV% in that span.
UPL is looking a lot more like the guy we saw in the second half of last season, making the Sabres a tough team to score on.
This has the makings of a low-scoring affair.
Flames vs Sabres same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 6.5
Rasmus Andersson Over 1.5 shots
Connor Zary Over 1.5 shots
Rasmus Andersson’s shot volume is really good right now. He's cleared 1.5 shots in four of his past five, averaging 2.8 per game. His only failure came against a low-event Bruins team that does a good job of limiting shots to opposing defensemen.
The Sabres have given up shots in bulk of late, ranking 25th in shot suppression at 5-on-5 and on the penalty kill over the last 10 games. Andersson routinely logs 24+ minutes and should have ample opportunity to take advantage of a good shooting matchup.
Connor Zary continues to be a priority target for shots, particularly on the road. He's recorded multiple shots in six of seven games away from Calgary this season and has attempted at least three shots in every single one of them.
Dating back to last season, Zary has at least two shots in 18 of 21 games in which he had three attempts or more.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Flames vs Sabres odds
Flames vs Sabres live odds
Flames vs Sabres opening odds
- Puck line: Calgary +1.5 (-209) | Buffalo -1.5 (+182)
- Moneyline: Calgary +122 | Buffalo -137
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-115) | Under 6 (+101)
Odds courtesy of BET99
Flames vs Sabres trend
Rasmus Andersson recorded multiple shots in 64% of his road games last season. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs. Sabres.
How to watch Flames vs Sabres
| Location: | KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY |
| Date: | Saturday, 11-9-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SN |
Flames vs Sabres latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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