Connor McDavid will serve the final game of his suspension Saturday when the Edmonton Oilers play host to the Buffalo Sabres.
My Sabres vs. Oilers predictions see Evan Bouchard stepping up offensively in absence of the captain.
Let’s take a closer look with my NHL picks for January 25.
Oilers vs Sabres prediction
My Oilers pick
Evan Bouchard Over 2.5 shots (+115 at BET99)
My Oilers analysis
Evan Bouchard has taken his shot generation to a completely different level of late, averaging 3.7 shots on 8.3 attempts over the last 10 games. That’s a significant jump from the 2.8 shots and 6.8 attempts he’s averaged on the season.
Bouchard has attempted at least seven shots eight times in that span, failing to do so only against the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks.
Those are two very low-event teams who limit shots extremely well, so it’s no surprise they brought out floor performances in terms of shot volume.
Bouchard has a great matchup to pile up the shots this afternoon. The Buffalo Sabres have allowed more than 30 shots per game over their last 10, ranking them Bottom 5.
Plenty of that volume has come from defensemen. In fact, just six teams have allowed more shots to the position during that span. One encouraging aspect about the Sabres is they are bleeding shots at both 5-on-5 and the penalty kill.
Bouchard leads the Oilers in shots at 5-on-5 and ranks second to Leon Draisaitl on the man advantage, so he should be one of the biggest benefactors.
Oilers vs Sabres same-game parlay (SGP)
Evan Bouchard Over 2.5 shots
Evan Bouchard Over 0.5 points
Leon Draisaitl Over 2.5 shots
Bouchard’s spike in shot volume has helped lead to an increase in point production. He has points in nine of the last 13 games and, zooming out further, has produced 16 points over the past 20 games. He’s producing at the prolific level we’ve come to expect.
With Connor McDavid sidelined, more touches and offensive facilitation should fall on the stick of Bouchard. Having his hand in more of the offense should help offset the absence of someone McDavid’s caliber.
Draisaitl has been a shooting machine for months now. He’s recorded at least three shots in 14 of his past 20 games, averaging close to four shots on goal per game in that span.
Draisaitl recorded at least two shots in 19 of those 20 games so he’s giving himself a fighting chance to clear this line each time out.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on the NHL at BET99!
One of Canada's best sportsbooks for hockey betting, join BET99 and get up to $1,500 bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win when using our BET99 promo code COVERSBONUS!
*Not available in Ontario. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Oilers vs Sabres odds
Oilers vs Sabres live odds
Oilers vs Sabres opening odds
- Puck line: Edmonton -1.5 (+114) | Buffalo +1.5 (-131)
- Moneyline: Edmonton -229 | Buffalo +198
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Odds courtesy of BET99
Oilers vs Sabres trend
Evan Bouchard has cleared 2.5 shots in five consecutive games against Buffalo. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Sabres.
How to watch Oilers vs Sabres
| Location | Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB |
| Date | Saturday, 1-25-2025 |
| Puck drop | 4:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | SN |
Oilers vs Sabres latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
