Edmonton Oilers vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Predictions January 25th 2025

Jeff Skinner Looks to Rebound as Oilers Host Sabres in Highly Anticipated Matchup

Jeff Skinner, once a key player for the Buffalo Sabres, is set to face his former team for the first time since being bought out in the offseason. Now with the Edmonton Oilers, Skinner’s time in Alberta has not gone as planned. However, Saturday’s game presents an opportunity for redemption as the Oilers host the Sabres in a pivotal clash for both teams.

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A Season of Challenges for Skinner

Since joining the Stanley Cup finalists, Skinner has struggled to find his rhythm. Playing primarily on the Oilers’ third and fourth lines, the 32-year-old forward is averaging a career-low 12:32 of ice time per game. His current tally of seven goals and 15 points in 43 games reflects his challenges, particularly with consistency, as he has just one goal in his last 13 outings. Adding to his struggles, Skinner has been scratched five times this season, including a three-game stretch in January.

Despite these setbacks, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch remains optimistic about Skinner’s potential to turn things around.

“He’s really been snakebitten lately,” Knoblauch said. “It’s just been very unfortunate the puck hasn’t been going in at a rate that he’s definitely used to. I feel it’s just a matter of time before they start going in.”

Skinner showed flashes of his offensive instincts in Edmonton’s recent 6-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, where he generated multiple scoring chances. Saturday’s game against his former team could be the spark he needs to get back on track.

Oilers Hitting Their Stride

While Skinner’s season has been a personal struggle, the Oilers have been thriving as a team. After a slow start to the campaign, Edmonton has surged to a 20-6-1 record since late November, including an impressive 9-3-0 stretch in their last 12 games. This resurgence has been fueled by their star players and improved defensive structure, making them a formidable opponent for any team.

Edmonton’s recent success will serve as a solid foundation for Skinner to build upon, should he capitalize on the momentum of the team’s performance.

Ryan McLeod: A Key Addition for Buffalo

On the other side, the Buffalo Sabres will welcome back Ryan McLeod, who was acquired via trade from Edmonton in the offseason. McLeod has missed the past three games with an upper-body injury but is expected to return to the lineup Saturday. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that McLeod is “good to go.”

Before his injury, McLeod was playing some of the best hockey of his career, notching six points in his last four games. The 25-year-old center is on pace for a career-best season with 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 45 games and is averaging a career-high 15:35 of ice time per game.

“He was playing well before he went out,” Ruff said. “Getting him back in, obviously we’ve had some big minutes from some young guys in the middle and he’ll help out with that.”

McLeod’s return could provide a significant boost for the Sabres, who have been struggling recently.

Sabres’ Inconsistent Form and Special Teams Woes

The Sabres have had a rocky stretch, losing three of their last four games, including a 5-2 defeat to the Calgary Flames on Thursday. Despite showing flashes of strong 5-on-5 play, Buffalo’s performance has been marred by special teams struggles. In the game against Calgary, the Sabres went 0-for-6 on the power play and gave up two short-handed goals, one of which was an empty-netter.

“At the end of the game, I felt like they were winning more battles than us,” Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin said. “We’ve got to win more battles.”

Buffalo’s inability to capitalize on the man advantage has become a glaring issue, and the team will need to address these deficiencies to compete against Edmonton’s high-powered offense.

A Game of Personal Stakes and Redemption

For both Skinner and McLeod, Saturday’s game carries added significance. Skinner will be looking to prove himself against his former team, while McLeod will aim to make an impact in his return to the lineup. Beyond these individual narratives, the matchup offers a clash between two teams on different trajectories. The Oilers are looking to maintain their upward momentum, while the Sabres are eager to regain their footing and stay in the playoff hunt.

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What to Watch For

• Jeff Skinner’s Performance: Can Skinner build on his promising game against Vancouver and make an impact against Buffalo? His ice time and role in the lineup will be critical to watch.
• Ryan McLeod’s Return: How will McLeod’s return influence Buffalo’s offense and special teams? His recent form suggests he could be a difference-maker.
• Special Teams Battle: Edmonton’s strong recent form includes success on special teams, while Buffalo’s power play has been a liability. This could be a deciding factor in the game.
• Team Momentum: Edmonton’s red-hot streak contrasts with Buffalo’s inconsistent play. Can the Sabres overcome their recent struggles to challenge the Oilers?

Conclusion

Saturday’s game between the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres is more than just another regular-season contest. For Jeff Skinner, it’s an opportunity to prove he can still be a valuable contributor, while Ryan McLeod will look to continue his breakout season. As both teams battle for playoff positioning, this game promises compelling storylines, emotional stakes, and high-level hockey.