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Buffalo Sabres vs Vancouver-Canucks November 28th 2024
The Canucks and Sabres are set to face off at 3:00 ET on ESPN+. The Sabres will host the game at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY. The Canucks are favored by -1.5 goals in this non-conference contest against the Sabres. The game’s over/under currently sits at 6 goals.
Vancouver vs. Buffalo Key Information
- Teams: Canucks at Sabres
- Where: KeyBank Center Buffalo
- Date: Friday, November 29th
- Betting Odds VAN -114 | BUF -104 O/U 6
The Canucks Can Win If…
With a 3-2 win over the Sharks, the Canucks improved to 11-7-3. Vancouver was favored on the puck line, but failed to cover. The total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score of 5 fell short.
Vancouver trailed 1-0 before Pius Suter’s goal at 5:19 in the second period. Jake DeBrusk gave the Canucks a 2-1 lead in the third, but the Sharks tied it again. Suter’s second goal, with just 26 seconds left, secured the win for the Canucks.
Pius Suter led the way for the Canucks with two goals, including his 3rd and 4th of the season. He scored the game-tying goal in the second period and added the game-winner with just 26 seconds left in the third. Jake DeBrusk also found the net, scoring his 1st goal of the season.
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Vancouver took 27 shots on goal and recorded 25 giveaways. None of their goals came on the power play, and they were held scoreless in the first period before Suter’s first goal at 5:19 in the second.
Defensively, the Canucks will look to tighten things up after giving up the first goal just 2:37 into the second period and another at 18:43 in the third. Kevin Lankinen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, while the defense recorded 5 takeaways and 24 hits.
- Through their last three games, the Canucks have a record of 2-1. This also includes going 2-1 puck line and an over-under mark of 2-1.
- Through their last ten regular season contests, Vancouver has a record of 5-5. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 6-4, in addition to an over-under mark of 7-3.
The Sabres Can Win If…
Buffalo dropped to 11-10-1 after a 2-1 loss to the Red Wings. The Sabres were underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score of 3 fell well short of that mark.
Buffalo initially took the lead with a short-handed goal from Alex Tuch in the first period. However, the Red Wings responded with two power-play goals in the second period to secure the win.
Buffalo’s offense was held to just one goal in their 2-1 loss to the Red Wings. Alex Tuch netted his 5th goal of the season, scoring shorthanded at 8:21 in the first period. The Sabres took 32 shots on goal but were unable to find the back of the net again.
Buffalo had 13 giveaways in the game and did not record any assists. Tuch, who scored the lone goal, took 5 shots on goal.
Buffalo’s defense gave up two goals, both coming on the power play in the second period. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage. The Sabres’ defense also contributed 5 takeaways and 17 hits.
- The Sabres have posted a 2-1 record in their previous three games. This also includes going 2-1 puck line and an over-under mark of 0-2-1.
- Over their last ten regular season games, the Sabres have gone 7-3 straight up. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 5-5, in addition to an over-under mark of 4-4-2.
The Lean
For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Sabres to pick up on a win over the Canucks at home. With the moneyline sitting at -104, I’ll be locking in a bet on the Sabres straight-up.
If you’re looking to get a bet down on this matchup, we foresee the Sabres winning the underdog. However, if you’re not as confident in the Sabres straight-up, we’d still recommend placing a bet on them to cover the puck line.
With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.
Canucks Seek Road Redemption Against Sabres
The Vancouver Canucks aim to rebound from their first road loss in over a month as they face the Buffalo Sabres on Friday afternoon in the fourth leg of their six-game road trip. Both teams are eager to bounce back after recent setbacks, making for an intriguing matchup in Buffalo.
Canucks: Aiming to Regain Road Dominance
Vancouver (13-5-2) saw its impressive eight-game road winning streak snapped on Wednesday in a 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Canucks struggled early, conceding four first-period goals and trailing 4-1 after 20 minutes.
Rick Tocchet’s Frustration
Head coach Rick Tocchet didn’t hold back when discussing the team’s slow start.
“The first period, obviously, we gifted the goals,” Tocchet said. “Seemed like anything they shot went in, but we also gifted some goals. Then you’re behind 4-1.”
Despite the rough beginning, Vancouver battled back with a strong second and third period, with goals from Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson, and Pius Suter. However, the effort wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.
“I liked the battle back from us,” Pettersson said, “but we can’t come out with an effort like that to start and expect to win a game.”
Players to Watch
- Quinn Hughes: The defenseman tallied a goal and two assists against Pittsburgh, bringing his November total to 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 12 games.
- Elias Pettersson: With 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in his last nine games, Pettersson continues to be a key offensive catalyst.
- Conor Garland: Extended his point streak to six games (two goals, five assists) with an assist on Wednesday.
Goaltending Edge
Kevin Lankinen is expected to start in net after a night off. Lankinen boasts a 10-3-2 record and is unbeaten in all eight of his road starts this season.
Sabres: Looking for Offense at Home
The Sabres (9-9-2) returned from a successful 3-1-0 road trip only to be blanked 1-0 by the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday. Despite generating 39 shots on goal, Buffalo couldn’t solve a red-hot goaltender.
Tage Thompson’s Return
In his first game back from a five-game absence due to a lower-body injury, Tage Thompson led the Sabres with six shots on goal. Despite the shutout, Thompson remained optimistic.
“Honestly, I think we played a really good game,” he said. “Sometimes you run into a hot goalie. … You’ve just got to find ways to get one.”
Offensive Leaders
- Tage Thompson: Leads the team with 11 goals and has 18 points despite missing time.
- Alex Tuch: Tops the Sabres with 14 assists and 21 points, providing consistent playmaking.
- Rasmus Dahlin: The defenseman has been a steady presence, contributing offensively and defensively.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Quinn Hughes vs. Buffalo’s Defense: Hughes’ dynamic playmaking from the blue line could stretch Buffalo’s defense, particularly in transition.
- Kevin Lankinen vs. Buffalo’s Attack: Lankinen’s road dominance will be tested against a Sabres team looking to regain its scoring touch.
- Tage Thompson vs. Canucks’ Defense: Thompson’s ability to create scoring chances will challenge Vancouver’s defensive structure.
- Special Teams Battle: Both teams have relied on their power plays at times this season. The Canucks’ ability to capitalize on special teams could tilt the game in their favor.
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What’s at Stake
The Canucks are focused on starting a new road streak and maintaining their position near the top of the Pacific Division. For the Sabres, a win would provide much-needed momentum as they aim to climb out of the middle of the Atlantic Division standings.
The Bigger Picture
Both teams are looking to avoid consecutive losses and secure critical points as they navigate the grueling NHL schedule. The Canucks’ ability to shake off a slow start and the Sabres’ determination to capitalize on home ice set the stage for a high-energy contest.
Will Vancouver rediscover its road magic, or can Buffalo’s young stars deliver a statement win? Fans can expect a competitive and entertaining battle in Buffalo.
