NHL Picks

Free NHL Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game March 14, 2026

Toronto Maple Leafs logo TOR @ Buffalo Sabres logo BUF Sat, Mar 14 • 7:00 PM ET
1 Expert Pick
Shots On Goal
John Tavares logo John Tavares o2.5 Shots On Goal (-135)
Best Odds
Pick made: 39 minutes ago
Todd Cordell image
Todd Cordell
Betting Analyst

John Tavares generated 3.2 shots on 6.7 attempts per game without Auston Matthews, a big jump from 2.4 shots on 4.4 attempts when the captain was in the lineup.

Ice time is a big reason. Tavares has averaged 17:57 this year, but that number has soared without Matthews sidelined.

Tavares has logged at least 20 minutes in all six games without Matthews and clearly taken advantage of the additional usage.

Against a fast-paced Sabres squad built to play in high-octane games, Tavares should have plenty of opportunities to shoot.

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