Nashville Predators vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Predictions February 8th 2025

Nashville Predators vs Buffalo Sabres February 8th 2025

Don’t miss out on the NHL showdown between the Sabres and Predators. The game is starting at 8:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Predators at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this game is set at 6 goals, and the Predators are favored by -1.5 vs. the Sabres in a non-conference matchup.

Buffalo vs. Nashville Key Information

• Teams: Sabres at Predators
• Where: Bridgestone Arena Nashville
• Date: Saturday, February 8th
• Betting Odds NAS -138 | BUF +117 O/U 6

The Sabres Can Win If…

Buffalo fell to 22-26-5 with a 2-1 loss to the Red Wings. The Sabres took an early lead with a short-handed goal from Alex Tuch but couldn’t hold on as Detroit scored twice in the second period.

The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, but the teams combined for just 3. Buffalo, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover. All of the Sabres’ 1 goal came in the first period.

Buffalo’s offense was limited to a single goal in their 2-1 loss to Detroit. Alex Tuch netted his fifth goal of the season, scoring on a shorthanded opportunity 8:21 into the first period. The Sabres fired 32 shots on goal but were unable to convert on any of their 13 giveaways.

After Tuch’s early goal, the Sabres were held scoreless in the second and third periods. They finished the game without any assists and failed to capitalize on their power play chances.

Buffalo’s defense will look to bounce back after allowing two second-period goals to Detroit in their last game. Both goals came on the power play, with the first at 7:49 and the second at 14:38 of the period. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen finished with 21 saves and a 91.3% save percentage, while the Sabres’ defense recorded 5 takeaways and 17 hits.

• Through their last three games, the Sabres have a record of 3-0. In terms of betting, the team went 2-1 puck line in these matchups. Their over/under record in these matchups is 2-1.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Sabres have gone 6-4 straight up. This includes going 6-4 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 6-3-1.

The Predators Can Win If…

With a 5-2 win over the Avalanche, the Predators improved to 18-28-7. Nashville, favored by -1.5 goals, covered the puck line. The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 7 goals surpassed that mark.

All five of Nashville’s goals came from different players. The Avalanche scored first, but the Predators tied it up at 11:29 in the second period and took the lead with 1:20 left in the same period.

Nashville’s offense found the net five times in their 5-2 win over Colorado, with five different players scoring. After a scoreless first period, Steven Stamkos netted his second goal of the season on a power play, while Colton Sissons added his first goal of the year. Roman Josi followed with his first goal, also on a power play.

Filip Forsberg scored his seventh goal of the season on an empty net, and Gustav Nyquist added his fourth, also on an empty net. The Predators took 25 shots on goal and recorded 15 giveaways.

On the defensive side, Juuse Saros made 29 saves with a 93.5% save percentage, helping the Predators to a 5-2 win. The defense also recorded 4 takeaways, 23 hits, and 25 blocks. After allowing the first goal 2:54 into the second period and another late in the third, Nashville’s defense will look to start and finish stronger in their next game.

• Through their last three regular season contests, Nashville has a record of 0-3. Their record against the puck line in this stretch is 0-3 to go along with an over-under mark of 2-1.
• Nashville has put together a record of 4-6 in their last ten games (regular season). Their record vs the puck line sits at 2-8 in these matchups, while posting a 7-3 over-under mark.

The Lean

When it comes to a moneyline wager, I’m going with the Predators to defeat the Sabres while playing at home. Given the current moneyline odds at -138, I’m placing a wager on the Predators to win outright.

If you’re looking for my recommendation on the puck line, I suggest taking the Sabres to cover. Even if the Predators manage to win outright, this game is expected to remain competitive, 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.

Buffalo Looks to Close Strong Before 4 Nations Face-Off Break

The Buffalo Sabres are playing their best hockey of the season at the perfect time. Riding a four-game winning streak, they are set to take on the struggling Nashville Predators on Saturday night, hoping to head into the break on a high note.

Buffalo’s recent surge has reignited confidence in the locker room. A win against Nashville would mark the Sabres’ first five-game winning streak since January 2023, a milestone that forward Tage Thompson believes is crucial for the team’s momentum.

“Each day is big. Each win is big, and I think we’re gaining traction right now,” Thompson said. “Obviously, Saturday is going to be a big one and make sure we get that one going into the break, continue to build momentum. … I feel like there’s a lot of confidence in our game right now. … All things kind of coming together, just got to be consistent with it.”

Buffalo is expected to get a key boost with the return of Thompson, who missed Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Columbus after suffering a concussion from a high hit by New Jersey’s Stefan Noesen.

Thompson’s Return Strengthens an Already Rolling Sabres Squad

Thompson has been Buffalo’s offensive leader this season, tallying 26 goals and 48 points in 47 games. His recent production has been even more impressive, with eight points (four goals, four assists) over a three-game point streak and 14 points in his last nine contests.

Since being moved to right wing by coach Lindy Ruff in early January, Thompson has thrived, particularly on a line with rookie center Jiri Kulich and JJ Peterka. The position shift has allowed him to focus more on creating offensive chances rather than handling the defensive duties of a center.

“He’s scoring a lot more. That’s really what has stood out,” Ruff said. “The connection with those three guys has been good. I think it’s freed him up a little bit from defensive responsibilities down low, to get out of the zone, use his speed a little bit more, get up ice a little bit quicker.”

The Sabres will also welcome back goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and center Dylan Cozens, both of whom missed Tuesday’s game due to lower-body injuries. Luukkonen has been a rock in goal this season and will look to continue his strong play as Buffalo aims for its fifth straight win.

Predators Struggling to Find Answers Amid Six-Game Losing Streak

While Buffalo is rolling, Nashville finds itself in a downward spiral. The Predators have dropped six straight games, most recently suffering a 6-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. The skid is especially frustrating for a team that had won seven of nine games before the losing streak began.

Coach Andrew Brunette didn’t mince words about the Predators’ struggles.

“Obviously, it’s been a really frustrating stretch for us here,” Brunette said. “It’s been a frustrating year, I think, right from the start. Kind of getting our head out of it a little bit, and now we sunk back in. It will be a test of our character. We’ve got one game before the break. Let’s try to play our best game and regroup here a little bit.”

Offensive and Defensive Woes Plaguing Nashville

The Predators’ problems extend beyond just the win-loss column. They rank 31st in the NHL in scoring, averaging just 2.58 goals per game. Their defensive play has been just as concerning, as they are allowing 3.30 goals per game—seventh most in the league.

The team has been outscored 26-10 during its current losing streak, highlighting both its offensive struggles and defensive breakdowns.

Captain Roman Josi knows the Predators need to find their identity fast if they hope to turn things around.

“We have another chance tomorrow,” Josi said Friday. “It’s one more game before the break, and we’ve got to find our identity.”

Discover Which NHL Teams Have the Best Chance to Claim the Stanley Cup, Backed by Key Stats and Insights

A Crucial Game Before the Break

For Buffalo, this game represents an opportunity to solidify its momentum and stay in the thick of the playoff race. For Nashville, it’s a last chance to snap a brutal losing streak and reset before the break.

With the Sabres surging and the Predators reeling, Saturday’s matchup presents a clash of teams on very different paths. Whether Buffalo extends its streak or Nashville finally finds a way to rebound, the game will serve as a defining moment heading into the next phase of the season.