Calgary Flames vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Predictions January 23rd 2025

Calgary Flames vs Buffalo Sabres January 23rd 2025

Looking to win big? The Sabres and Flames face off at 9:00 ET on ESPN+. The Flames are hosting the game at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. The over/under for this game is set at 5.5 goals, and the Flames are favored by -1.5 vs. the Sabres in a non-conference matchup.

Buffalo vs. Calgary Key Information

• Teams: Sabres at Flames
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary
• Date: Thursday, January 23rd
• Betting Odds CGY -133 | BUF +112 O/U 5.5

The Sabres Can Win If…

Buffalo’s 2-1 loss to the Red Wings dropped their record to 18-24-5. The Sabres were underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined 3 goals fell short of that mark.

Buffalo scored first with a short-handed goal by Alex Tuch in the first period, but the Red Wings responded with two power-play goals in the second. The Sabres had 32 shots on goal but failed to find the net again.

Buffalo’s offense managed just one goal in their 2-1 loss to the Red Wings. Alex Tuch netted his 5th of the season on a shorthanded effort, one of his 5 shots on goal. The Sabres fired 32 shots on goal but couldn’t convert again.

Buffalo had 13 giveaways and failed to score on the power play. Tuch’s goal came at 8:21 in the first period, giving the Sabres an early 1-0 lead.

Buffalo’s defense gave up both of their goals in the second period, with each coming on the power play. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves and posted a 91.3% save percentage. The Sabres’ defense also had 5 takeaways and 17 hits.

• Buffalo has put together a record of 1-2 in their last three games (regular season). Across these games, their puck line record was just 1-2, while posting an over-under record of 2-1.
• Across Buffalo’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 4-6. Against the spread, Buffalo went 5-5 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 5-3-2.

The Flames Can Win If…

Calgary’s 4-2 loss to the Oilers dropped their record to 22-16-7. The Flames were the underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, with the combined score of 6 falling just short of that mark.

After falling behind 2-0 in the first period, Calgary tied it up with goals in the second and third. However, Edmonton responded with two more, including an empty-netter, to seal the win.

Calgary’s offense managed just two goals in their 4-2 loss to Edmonton, despite putting 31 shots on goal. Anthony Mantha netted his fourth goal of the season on a power play, while Yegor Sharangovich added his first goal of the year in the third period.

The Flames were held scoreless in the first period before Mantha’s goal at 15:27 in the second. Calgary recorded 22 giveaways in the game, with Kevin Bahl picking up his fifth assist of the season on Sharangovich’s goal.

Calgary’s defense got off to a rough start, conceding the first two goals of the game, including one just 20 seconds into the first period. After the Flames tied the game at 2-2, they allowed two more goals, one at the 9:50 mark of the third period and another with just three seconds remaining. Dan Vladar made 27 saves with a 90% save percentage, while the defense recorded 4 takeaways and 13 hits.

• Through their last three regular season contests, Calgary has a record of 1-2. They have held up well vs the puck line in these matchups, going 2-1 as well as an over-under record of 0-3.
• The Flames have gone 5-5 over their last ten regular season games. Against the spread, Calgary went 4-6 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 2-8.

The Lean

For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Flames to pick up on a win over the Sabres at home. With the moneyline sitting at -133, I’ll be locking in a bet on the Flames straight-up.

When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Sabres to cover. Even in the event of a Flames victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Sabres should cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 5.5 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

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Flames’ Dustin Wolf Takes Center Stage Against Sabres

The future is now for the Calgary Flames, with 23-year-old Dustin Wolf proving he’s ready to take the NHL by storm. The young goaltender has been outstanding in his first full season, boasting a 16-7-2 record, two shutouts, a 2.50 goals-against average, and a .917 save percentage. On Thursday, Wolf and the Flames host the Buffalo Sabres, looking to maintain their playoff position.

Wolf’s Rise to the Spotlight

Drafted in the seventh round in 2019, Wolf took his time developing, spending three seasons in the AHL before earning a full-time NHL spot this year. While initially splitting starts with Dan Vladar, Wolf has claimed the crease, starting 11 of Calgary’s last 15 games with an 8-2-1 record during that span.

“Some of the backdoor stops he made, it’s fun to watch,” said forward Blake Coleman. “He’s a huge reason we’re finding success.”

Wolf’s latest standout moment came in a 38-save performance during a 3-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets, the best team in the Western Conference.

Flames Eye Playoff Push

Currently holding the second wild-card spot, the Flames have been solid at home this season (14-6-3). Thursday’s game marks a brief stop in Calgary after a 2-2 road trip, as the team aims to build momentum for their first playoff appearance since 2021-22.

Sabres’ Rookie Sensation

The Buffalo Sabres, fresh off a 3-2 comeback win over Vancouver, are led by rookie Jiri Kulich, who has been red-hot since returning from injury. Kulich, who has 10 points in his last 16 games, was instrumental in the win, scoring the tying goal and assisting on two others.

Buffalo is searching for consistency, aiming to win consecutive games for only the second time in their last 11 outings.

Key Matchup

Thursday’s game showcases two rising stars: Wolf, solidifying his place as Calgary’s go-to goalie, and Kulich, proving himself as a dynamic rookie center. The Flames’ home-ice strength meets a Sabres team fighting for consistency in an intriguing battle.

Can Wolf continue his stellar run and guide the Flames to another win, or will Kulich and the Sabres pull off another road upset? This one promises to deliver.