ES 
NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Florida Panthers vs Buffalo Sabres March 8th 2025
Don’t miss out on the NHL showdown between the Sabres and Panthers. The game is starting at 6:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL. Get ready to place your bets! This Atlantic division matchup has an over/under of 6 goals, and the Panthers are favored by -1.5 at home vs. the Sabres.
Stay Ahead with the Best NHL Picks!
Buffalo vs. Florida Key Information
- Teams: Sabres at Panthers
- Where: Amerant Bank Arena Sunrise
- Date: Saturday, March 8th
- Betting Odds FLA -276 | BUF +226 O/U 6
The Sabres Can Win If…
Buffalo dropped to 24-31-6 after a 2-1 road loss to the Red Wings. The Sabres held a 1-0 lead after the first period, but Detroit responded with two goals in the second. Buffalo entered as underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, with the combined score falling well short of that mark.
Alex Tuch scored the Sabres’ only goal, finding the net at 11:39 in the first period. Buffalo’s defense couldn’t hold, allowing two power-play goals in the second. The Sabres managed 32 shots on goal but failed to convert any after Tuch’s early score.
Buffalo’s offense managed 32 shots on goal but only found the net once in their 2-1 loss to Detroit. Alex Tuch scored his 5th goal of the season, coming shorthanded at 8:21 in the first period. The Sabres recorded 13 giveaways and did not register any assists.
After Tuch’s early goal, the Sabres were shut out for the remainder of the game. They failed to score on any power play opportunities, with their lone goal coming while shorthanded.
The Sabres’ defense gave up two goals, both on the power play, in their last game. They allowed the first at 12:11 in the 2nd period, and the second at 5:22, leading to a 2-1 loss. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, while the defense recorded 5 takeaways and 17 hits.
- Across Buffalo’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 0-3. This also includes going 2-1 ATS, and posting an over-under record of 3-0.
- Over their last ten regular season games, the Sabres have gone 4-6 straight up. Their record vs the puck line sits at 4-6 in these matchups, while posting a 7-3 over-under mark.
The Panthers Can Win If…
Florida improved to 39-21-3 with a 4-2 win over the Stars. The Panthers covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6 goals fell short of the 6.5 line.
All four of Florida’s goals came from different players. They led 2-0 before the Stars tied it up, but A.J. Greer’s goal in the third period put the Panthers back in front for good.
Florida’s offense was led by A.J. Greer, who netted his first goal of the season, and Sam Reinhart, who added an empty-netter for his 10th goal. The Panthers also got contributions from Evan Rodrigues, who opened the scoring, and Matthew Tkachuk, who found the net for the third time this season.
Carolina took 25 shots on goal and recorded 16 giveaways. The Panthers scored once on the power play, with Tkachuk’s goal, and finished with 6 assists in the game.
Defensively, the Panthers allowed two goals, both in the second period, but kept the Stars off the board in the first and third. Spencer Knight made 23 saves, finishing with a 92% save percentage. Florida’s defense also recorded 8 takeaways and 22 hits.
- Florida will look to keep things rolling as they have put together a mark of 3-0 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 0-3.
- Over their last ten regular season games, the Panthers have gone 8-2 straight up. In these matchups, they ended with an puck line record of 5-5 and an over-under mark of 4-6.
The Lean
When it comes to a straight moneyline bet, look no further than the Panthers. Nevertheless, given the payout of -276, you could also think about incorporating this bet into a parlay.
If you’re looking for a puck line bet, I’d suggest going with the Sabres to cover. Even in the event of a Panthers victory, this game is expected to be closely fought, and the Sabres should cover the puck line.
When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6 goals, we believe that this game will go over that threshold, and we recommend wagering on the over.
Want Winning NHL Picks?
Get Expert Insights Now!
Panthers Welcome Lowly Sabres After Big Trade Deadline Day
The Florida Panthers made the biggest splash of the NHL trade deadline, signaling their intent to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. Now, fresh off their blockbuster acquisition, the Panthers return to the ice Saturday to host the Buffalo Sabres in Sunrise, Fla.
Panthers Make a Power Move with Marchand
Florida’s headline move was landing veteran forward Brad Marchand from the Boston Bruins. Though currently sidelined with an upper-body injury, Marchand is expected to debut in April, just in time for the playoffs.
“His record speaks for itself,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said. “We are thrilled to have him aboard and will see where it goes.”
Marchand, 36, has 21 goals and 26 assists in 61 games this season and ranks fourth in Bruins franchise history in goals. The Panthers only gave up a second-round draft pick, which could become a first-rounder if Florida wins two playoff series and Marchand plays in at least half of the games.
Florida also added five-time All-Star defenseman Seth Jones in a trade with Chicago, addressing blue-line depth following the loss of Matthew Tkachuk to a groin injury.
Bobrovsky’s Dominance Fuels Panthers’ Win Streak
While the Panthers’ new acquisitions have made headlines, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky remains the team’s backbone. The veteran netminder recorded his fourth shutout of the season in a 3-0 win over Columbus on Thursday, earning his 423rd career victory—tying Tony Esposito for 10th on the all-time wins list.
“It seems like it’s always another milestone for (Bobrovsky),” Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad said. “We’re extremely proud of him.”
Bobrovsky has won four consecutive starts, allowing just four goals in that span. His seven-year, $70 million contract expires next season, leaving Florida’s long-term goaltending future uncertain after trading Spencer Knight to Chicago.
The Panthers have won five straight games and are heavily favored to extend that streak against Buffalo.
Sabres Struggling Amid Another Lost Season
Buffalo has the worst record in the Eastern Conference with just 54 points in 61 games and has dropped five straight, including a 6-5 loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday.
“Some of the plays we made to get the lead were high-end,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “But we didn’t defend well enough on the sixth goal.”
Buffalo’s latest slump all but ensures it will miss the playoffs for a record 14th consecutive season. The Sabres last won a playoff series in 2007.
At the deadline, Buffalo sent Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert, and a 2026 second-round pick to Ottawa for Joshua Norris and Jacob Bernard-Decker. Norris, a speedy center with playmaking ability, has 20 goals this season but has struggled with injuries. Cozens, 24, had a breakout 31-goal campaign in 2022-23 but has just 11 goals this season.
What to Expect
The Panthers are locked in on the present, while the Sabres continue to look toward the future. With Bobrovsky in top form and Marchand on the horizon, Florida has its sights set on another deep postseason run.
Gain an Edge with Insights from Top Handicappers!
