The Los Angeles Kings host the Buffalo Sabres in a cross-country tilt to cap off the NHL's Monday night slate. Buffalo is struggling entering this contest after dropping each of its last three games by an average goal differential of 3.3.
Will the Kings add to the Sabres’ losing streak? Or can Buffalo turn things around in California? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Sabres vs Kings.
Sabres vs Kings best odds
Sabres vs Kings picks and predictions
A big reason for Buffalo’s three-game losing streak has been the team's inability to score while registering two or fewer goals in each outing. That dip isn't shocking, as the Sabres have been due for an offensive regression.
Buffalo ranks fifth in the league in goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60) at 5-on-5, but just 16th in xGF/60. The problem for the Sabres is that if their offense regresses, winning games is difficult because of the squad's poor defense. Buffalo ranks just 24th in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes xGA/60 at 5-on-5 entering Monday's affair.
Backing up this defensively-weak lineup is goaltender Eric Comrie, who's projected to start between the pipes on Monday. Comrie is just 5-8 with an .884 save percentage and 3.53 goals-against average in 2022-23. Based on his underlying metrics, brighter days aren't ahead for the Sabres netminder. If he qualified, Comrie would rank just 28th among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.
Across the ice, goaltender Pheonix Copley is set to start for the Kings. Fresh off a new contract extension, Copley looks to continue his great play. He's 4-0-1 with a .922 SV% and 2.37 GAA over his past five starts. That tremendous production isn't shocking given his advanced metrics. Copley would rank 12th among starting goaltenders in GSAx/60 at 5-on-5 if he qualified.
It certainly helps Copley’s case that Los Angeles boasts one of the league's best two-way lineups. The Kings rank seventh in xGA/60 at 5-on-5, which is a product of both a stingy blue line and tremendous back-checking forwards like Anze Kopitar, Phillip Danault, and Trevor Moore.
Add home ice to the mix, and Los Angeles should take care of business against the struggling Sabres.
My best bet: Kings ML (-150 at DraftKings)
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Sabres vs Kings moneyline analysis
For those who want a bit of extra risk with a higher payout, you could take the Kings to cover -1.5 at +160. Seven of Buffalo’s last 10 losses have been multi-goal defeats.
However, just five of Los Angeles’ last 12 wins have been multi-goal triumphs. The juice is worth the squeeze to just take the Kings’ moneyline, but there are definitely worse plays to make than trying to cash +160 on the puck line.
Sabres vs Kings Over/Under analysis
This matchup is a tough one to gauge when handicapping the total. The Kings' strength is in their two-way play. Combine that with Copley’s recent form in net, and I'm leaning toward the Under.
Add in the Sabres’ offense regressing, and it's wise to take the Under at 6.5. It's a strong play too while currently at plus money (+105 through DraftKings). However, I like the Kings’ moneyline enough that it's the only play I want to make ahead of this contest.
Sabres vs Kings betting trend to know
The Kings are 3-0 in their last three games as the favorite, while the Sabres are 0-3 in their last three matchups as the underdog. Find more NHL betting trends for Sabres vs Kings.
Sabres vs Kings game info
| Location: | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Monday, February 13, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | BSW, MSG-B |
