Vegas Golden Knights vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Predictions January 4th 2025

Sabres hoping to leave Vegas a big winner

The Buffalo Sabres are heading to Las Vegas on Saturday night with a chance to turn their fortunes around against one of the NHL’s hottest teams, the Vegas Golden Knights. As the Atlantic Division’s last-place team, the Sabres hope a trip to Sin City can spark a much-needed revival in their struggling season.

Create an Account

Buffalo’s Battle with Consistency

The past five weeks have been a rollercoaster for Lindy Ruff’s squad. Buffalo recently snapped a crushing 13-game losing streak (0-10-3) with a commanding 7-1 victory over the New York Islanders before the holiday break. Momentum briefly appeared to swing their way with back-to-back wins against Chicago and St. Louis, but another two-game skid has highlighted their ongoing struggles.

Thursday’s 6-5 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche was particularly painful. The Sabres held a 3-0 lead midway through the second period and seemed poised to secure victory with a 5-3 advantage heading into the final three minutes. However, defensive breakdowns allowed Colorado to tie the game in dramatic fashion, with Jonathan Drouin netting the equalizer with just eight seconds left. Devon Toews delivered the dagger in overtime.

Head coach Lindy Ruff was both frustrated and reflective.
“You play a game like that, nine out of 10 times you’re going to win,” Ruff said. “We battled hard… Just a little bit of composure at the end is what you needed.”

Golden Knights: Red-Hot and Rolling

In stark contrast, the Golden Knights are on a tear. Since December 1, Vegas boasts an impressive 11-2-0 record and leads the Pacific Division. They’ve been nearly unbeatable at T-Mobile Arena, where they hold a 16-4-0 home record this season.

Their latest victory, a 5-2 triumph over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, epitomized their resilience. After conceding a goal just 21 seconds into the game and registering only four first-period shots, Vegas responded in style. Captain Mark Stone sparked the rally with a redirect goal early in the second period, and five different players scored to secure the win.

Head coach Bruce Cassidy acknowledged the need for better starts but praised his team’s composure:
“We weren’t ready at the start. We talked about it (at the first intermission). We started the second very well.”

Vegas’s calm under pressure has become a hallmark of their season. Forward Victor Olofsson emphasized this team-wide confidence:
“Even if we don’t play a good period, we can bounce back. The calm in this group is pretty special.”

Victor Olofsson Faces His Former Team

Adding an emotional twist to Saturday’s game, Vegas forward Victor Olofsson will face the Sabres for the first time since leaving the team in free agency. Olofsson, who spent over five seasons in Buffalo and scored 90 goals for the club, expressed mixed emotions ahead of the matchup.
“There are a lot of familiar faces for me,” Olofsson said. “It’s going to be a special feeling for sure playing against those guys.”

Olofsson has been a key contributor to Vegas’s success, bringing skill and experience to a roster already packed with offensive firepower.

Daily NHL Picks & Predictions from The Best Expert Hockey Handicappers

Keys to the Game

1. Buffalo’s Endgame Composure:
   • The Sabres must address their late-game collapses, particularly against a team as opportunistic as Vegas.
2. Vegas’s Strong Starts:
   • While the Golden Knights have shown they can recover from early deficits, improving their first-period intensity will reduce the risk of an upset.
3. Special Teams Battle:
   • Both teams will need to capitalize on power plays. Vegas ranks among the league leaders in penalty-killing efficiency, which could stifle Buffalo’s scoring chances.
4. Goaltending Matchup:
   • The Sabres’ netminders must step up against a Golden Knights offense that spreads scoring across multiple lines.

Historical Context

The Sabres and Golden Knights have faced off 11 times since Vegas joined the NHL in 2017. Vegas holds a 7-3-1 advantage in those matchups, including a 4-1 record at T-Mobile Arena. However, Buffalo has occasionally found success, including a 3-2 victory in their last visit to Vegas.

Predictions and Outlook

While the Sabres have shown flashes of resilience, their inability to close out games remains a glaring issue. Facing a Vegas team firing on all cylinders at home presents a daunting challenge. However, if Buffalo can channel the determination displayed in Denver and clean up their defensive lapses, they have a chance to pull off an upset.

For Vegas, this game is an opportunity to continue their dominance and solidify their position atop the Pacific Division. With contributions from all lines and a steady home-ice advantage, they enter as clear favorites.

Conclusion

Saturday’s showdown between Buffalo and Vegas promises a compelling mix of drama and high-stakes hockey. Will the Sabres rebound from their heartbreak in Denver, or will the Golden Knights extend their winning streak and showcase why they’re among the NHL’s elite?

Hockey fans won’t want to miss this clash in Sin City.