Seattle Kraken vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Predictions January 20th 2025

Seattle Kraken vs Buffalo Sabres January 20th 2025

Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Sabres versus the Kraken? The puck drops at 4:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA. The over/under for this game is set at 5.5 goals, and the Kraken are favored by -1.5 vs. the Sabres in a non-conference matchup.

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Buffalo vs. Seattle Key Information

Buffalo’s 2-1 loss to the Red Wings dropped their record to 17-23-5. The Sabres led early with a short-handed goal from Alex Tuch, but Detroit responded with two power-play goals in the second period.

The total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score of 3 fell well short. As the underdog on the puck line, Buffalo also failed to cover.

Buffalo’s offense took 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, which came shorthanded at 8:21 in the first period.

After Tuch’s goal, the Sabres were held scoreless for the remainder of the game. Buffalo had 13 giveaways and failed to score on the power play.

Buffalo’s defense started strong, holding Detroit scoreless in the first period, but they gave up two goals in the second, both on the power play. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, and the Sabres’ defense recorded 5 takeaways and 17 hits.

Seattle dropped to 20-24-3 with a 2-0 loss to the Bruins. The Kraken’s defense struggled early, giving up both goals in the first period, including one just 3:23 into the game.

As underdogs on the puck line, Seattle failed to cover. The total was set at 6 goals, but the combined 2 goals fell well short of that mark.

Seattle’s offense was shut out in their 2-0 loss to the Bruins. They managed 23 shots on goal but couldn’t convert any of their 19 giveaways into scoring opportunities.

The Kraken failed to score in any period, with no goals in the first, second, or third. This game marked the first time this season that Seattle was held scoreless.

Seattle’s defense struggled early, giving up two goals in the first period, but they held Boston scoreless the rest of the way. Joey Daccord finished with 31 saves and a 93.9% save percentage, and the Kraken’s defense added 4 takeaways and 18 hits.

When making a moneyline pick, my choice is the Kraken to come out with a win against the Sabres while playing at home. Considering the moneyline odds at -124, I’m placing my bet on the Kraken to win outright.

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 Kraken victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Sabres should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 5.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

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Kraken’s Red-Hot Top Line Leads Charge Against Visiting Sabres

The Seattle Kraken are finding their groove, and much of that success can be attributed to their potent top line of Jaden Schwartz, Matty Beniers, and Kaapo Kakko. As they prepare to host the Buffalo Sabres on Monday afternoon, the Kraken will look to build on their recent offensive surge and continue their strong play at home.

Kraken’s Top Line is Thriving

Seattle’s 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday showcased the dominance of their first line, with Schwartz recording a hat trick and Kakko tallying three assists.

Head coach Dan Bylsma was full of praise for the chemistry this trio has built.

“It can’t be understated, the line of Matty Beniers and Jaden and Kakko, what they keep doing for us, night in and night out,” Bylsma said. “That line has fed off Kakko’s presence in the offensive zone, his ability to hang on the puck. It has allowed Schwartzy to dart into spots, be at the net, and Matty to get to good spots.”

Key Players for Seattle

• Kaapo Kakko (5-game point streak: 3 G, 5 A) – Since being acquired from the New York Rangers on Dec. 18, Kakko has flourished in Seattle, totaling 13 points (4 G, 9 A) in 14 games.
• Matty Beniers (5 G, 3 A since Kakko trade) – The 2021 No. 2 overall pick has elevated his play alongside Kakko.
• Jaden Schwartz (Hat trick vs. Kings) – A veteran presence who is benefiting from the youthful energy of his linemates.

Kakko, who was the No. 2 overall pick in 2019, has shown a new level of confidence with the Kraken.

“He protects the puck well,” Schwartz said of Kakko. “He’s got a really good shot, as you’ve seen, but he’s also really good at making little subtle plays with the puck … he sees the ice very well.”

This chemistry has been key to Seattle’s recent offensive outburst, and with eight of their next nine games at home, the Kraken have a prime opportunity to climb the standings.

Sabres Looking to Turn Things Around

The Buffalo Sabres (19-26-4) enter this game at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, coming off a 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday. Despite generating plenty of chances, the Sabres struggled to convert on key opportunities.

Key Players for Buffalo

• Tage Thompson (19 G, 36 PTS) – Leads the Sabres in goals and points, but needs more consistency from his supporting cast.
• Zach Benson (1 G, 1 A vs. Penguins) – The 19-year-old rookie continues to impress with his playmaking ability.

Despite outshooting the Penguins, the Sabres were outplayed on special teams and failed to capitalize on scoring chances.

“The biggest difference was, first, they out-special-teamed us,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “But when you have the number of opportunities we had to put the puck in the back of the net … you’ve got to convert.”

Benson echoed that sentiment, noting that the Sabres had plenty of Grade-A chances but couldn’t finish.

“I didn’t think we did a great job getting traffic there by no means, but when you shoot from those spots, as much as you want traffic, we’ve got some elite shooters that can pick their spots,” Benson said.

Recent Matchup: Kraken Rolled Over Sabres in Buffalo

Seattle and Buffalo met earlier this season on Jan. 11, with the Kraken erasing a two-goal deficit to dominate 6-2.

• Oliver Bjorkstrand scored the game-winner early in the third period.
• Kakko sealed the victory with two goals in the final frame.

The Sabres will be looking for revenge, but with Seattle’s top line clicking and Buffalo’s inconsistencies on special teams, the Kraken have the upper hand heading into this matchup.

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Can the Kraken Keep Rolling?

With Seattle’s top line red-hot and their home schedule favorable, this game presents a great opportunity for them to extend their success.

• Will the Kraken’s top line continue to dominate?
• Can Buffalo convert on its scoring chances and avoid another letdown?

With two teams trending in different directions, Monday’s matinee in Seattle could be another big night for the home team.