Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Predictions November 16th 2024

Flyers, Sabres face off Philadelphia after overtime wins Thursday

Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Sabres versus the Flyers? The puck drops at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on NBCS. The game will be played at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. The odds for this Eastern conference game currently have the Flyers as the -1.5 goal favorite with the over/under line sitting at 6 goals.

Buffalo vs. Philadelphia Key Information

• Teams: Sabres at Flyers
• Where: Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia
• Date: Saturday, November 16th
• Betting Odds PHI -112 | BUF -106 O/U 6

The Sabres Can Win If…

With a 2-1 loss to the Red Wings, the Sabres fell to 8-8-1 this season. Buffalo was the underdog on the puck line, and the total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, but the teams combined for just 3.

Buffalo scored first, with Alex Tuch finding the net at 11:39 in the first period. However, the Red Wings responded with two goals in the second period, both from Dylan Larkin, to secure the win.

Buffalo’s offense was held to just one goal in their 2-1 loss to Detroit. Alex Tuch netted his 5th goal of the season, scoring on a shorthanded opportunity 8:21 into the first period. The Sabres fired 32 shots on goal but came up empty on the power play.

Buffalo had 13 giveaways and failed to register an assist on their lone goal. Tuch took 5 shots on goal, and the Sabres were unable to find the net again after Tuch’s early goal.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, but the Sabres’ defense struggled in the 2nd period, allowing two power-play goals. Buffalo’s defense finished with 5 takeaways and 17 hits.

• Buffalo will look to keep things rolling as they have put together a mark of 2-1 over their past three games. Against the spread, they have gone 0-3 and logged an over-under record of 2-1 in these games.
• The Sabres have gone 6-4 over their last ten regular season games. This includes going 5-5 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 6-2-2.

The Flyers Can Win If…

Philadelphia’s record dropped to 7-8-2 after a 3-0 loss to the Bruins. The Flyers were underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score of 3 fell short of that mark.

Defensively, Philadelphia allowed goals in each period, with the Bruins’ final goal coming with 3:39 left in the third. The Flyers struggled offensively, managing just 20 shots on goal and committing 15 giveaways.

Philadelphia’s offense was held scoreless in their 3-0 loss to Boston. The Flyers took 20 shots on goal but couldn’t find the back of the net. They also recorded 15 giveaways in the game.

After a scoreless first period, the Flyers remained off the scoreboard in the second and third periods. Philadelphia was shut out for the first time this season.

Defensively, the Flyers gave up the first goal at 13:28 in the first period and another at 11:23 in the second. Boston added an empty-netter late in the third, leading to a 3-0 loss for Philadelphia. The Flyers’ defense finished with 5 takeaways and 30 hits, while goalie Samuel Ersson made 8 saves with a 100% save percentage.

• Philadelphia will look to keep things rolling as they have put together a mark of 2-1 over their past three games. The team has also been excellent vs the spread, going 2-1. Their over-under record in these games was 3-0.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Flyers have gone 6-4 straight up. Against the spread, Philadelphia went 5-5 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 6-4.

The Lean

When making a moneyline pick, my choice is the Flyers to come out with a win against the Sabres while playing at home. Considering the moneyline odds at -112, I’m placing my bet on the Flyers to win outright.

For my recommended choice in the puck line, I’m leaning towards the Sabres to cover. Even if the Flyers secure a straight-up win, this game is expected to be tightly contested, and the Sabres should cover the puck line.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

Daily NHL Picks & Predictions from The Best Expert Hockey Handicappers

Flyers and Sabres Gear Up for a Thrilling Matchup in Philadelphia After Overtime Triumphs

The Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabres, both navigating a season of highs and lows, are set to clash for the first time this season. Each team enters Saturday’s game in Philadelphia riding the momentum of thrilling overtime victories, showcasing resilience and a hunger for improvement.

Two Teams, Similar Paths

Both the Flyers and Sabres had rough starts to their seasons. The Flyers opened 1-5-1, while the Sabres were 1-4-1. However, both teams have found their stride recently. Philadelphia is 3-0-1 in its last four games, while Buffalo boasts a 4-1-0 record over its last five. These turnarounds highlight their determination to climb the standings.

Philadelphia Flyers: A Team on the Rise

The Flyers demonstrated grit and character in their latest game against the Ottawa Senators. Trailing 4-2 with less than 10 minutes remaining, Anthony Richard and Bobby Brink scored critical goals to force overtime. Matvei Michkov then sealed the victory, becoming the youngest player in Flyers history to score an overtime goal.

Head coach John Tortorella praised the team’s ability to secure the win despite an uneven performance. “You play as bad as we did and then come out a winner. I just … I have no idea,” he remarked, emphasizing both the team’s tenacity and the need for improvement.

Key contributions came from Travis Sanheim, who recorded a goal and two assists, and Ivan Fedotov, who secured the win in goal. Despite these positives, the Flyers know they must sharpen their play as they begin a five-game homestand.

“It’s obviously not our best,” Sanheim admitted. “Any time you can get two points out of not playing a good hockey game, you’ll take it and move on. We’ll get ready for a homestand that we’ve got to be good at.”

Spotlight on Matvei Michkov

Michkov, a 19-year-old Russian talent, is quickly emerging as a key player for Philadelphia. After being a healthy scratch for two games, he has delivered back-to-back standout performances. His clutch goal against Ottawa underscores his potential to become a cornerstone for the team.

Buffalo Sabres: Depth on Display

The Sabres also relied on a late-game surge to secure a win against the St. Louis Blues. Down a goal with less than eight minutes remaining, Alex Tuch tied the game, and Rasmus Dahlin delivered the game-winner in overtime, giving Buffalo their first OT victory of the season.

Buffalo’s success is particularly impressive given the absence of key players. Leading goal scorer Tage Thompson and starting goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen were both sidelined with undisclosed injuries. In their absence, players like Ryan McLeod stepped up. McLeod recorded a goal and an assist, showcasing the depth and resilience of Buffalo’s roster.

“It was not pretty today, but we found a way,” Dahlin said after the game. “That’s what good teams do. I think it was a really mature game by us. I’m really happy about the effort by everybody.”

Head coach Lindy Ruff echoed Dahlin’s sentiment. “Good response,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to overcome tough moments. It was the next man’s opportunity, and he took advantage of it.”

Keys to Saturday’s Matchup

The Flyers and Sabres face similar challenges as they prepare for their matchup:

• Philadelphia: The Flyers must focus on consistency, particularly on defense, as they embark on a crucial homestand. Goaltending will be a factor, with Samuel Ersson likely to start against Buffalo.
• Buffalo: With Thompson and Luukkonen considered day-to-day, the Sabres will rely on their depth and the leadership of players like Dahlin and Tuch to maintain momentum.

Players to Watch

• Matvei Michkov (Flyers): With a knack for delivering in high-pressure moments, Michkov’s confidence and creativity will be crucial for Philadelphia.
• Rasmus Dahlin (Sabres): Fresh off his game-winning goal, Dahlin’s ability to control the pace of play from the blue line makes him a key asset.

What’s at Stake?

Saturday’s game is more than just a regular-season clash—it’s an opportunity for both teams to solidify their recent improvements and set a tone for the weeks ahead. With their resilience on full display, the Flyers and Sabres promise fans an exciting and hard-fought contest.

Conclusion

As the Flyers and Sabres take the ice, fans can expect a matchup that highlights perseverance, young talent, and the drive to compete at the highest level. With both teams riding high on recent successes, this game has all the makings of a season-defining showdown.