Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 1/9/2025 7:00 PM EST

We have your Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Buffalo Sabres hit the road to face the Ottawa Senators.

Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators Odds Info

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Best Moneyline Odds: Buffalo Sabres +130 (FanDuel) / Ottawa Senators -156 (FanDuel)
Best Puck Line Odds: -1.5 - Buffalo Sabres -195 (Caesars) / Ottawa Senators +170 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 6.0 - Under -115 (Caesars) / Over -105 (Caesars)

Game Info

Date: 1/9/2025
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Canadian Tire Centre (Ottawa, ON)
TV: ESPN+

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators have faced off five times, with Buffalo winning three of those encounters and Ottawa securing two victories. In these matchups, the home team has generally had the upper hand, winning three times, while the visiting team has managed to win twice. When it comes to covering the spread, Buffalo has been successful in three games, while Ottawa has covered the spread in two. The games have tended to be high-scoring affairs, with the total going over the set line in three instances and under just once. The teams have shown a competitive edge, with Buffalo often being the favorite in these matchups, as indicated by the moneyline odds.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on November 5, 2024, where the Buffalo Sabres emerged victorious with a decisive 5-1 win over the Ottawa Senators. Buffalo, playing at home, was slightly favored with a closing moneyline of -105 compared to Ottawa's -115. The Sabres took control early, with JJ Peterka scoring the opening goal in the first period. Bowen Byram extended Buffalo's lead with two quick goals at the start of the second period. Ottawa's Ridly Greig managed to score in the second period, but it was not enough to mount a comeback. Buffalo's Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka added two more goals in the third period to seal the win. Buffalo's power play was particularly effective, converting 50% of their opportunities, while Ottawa struggled on the power play, failing to score on three chances. Despite being outshot 38-34, Buffalo's goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen delivered a strong performance with a save percentage of 0.974.

In the context of these past encounters, the upcoming game on January 9, 2025, promises to be another intriguing matchup. Both teams have shown the ability to win on the road, but the home team has had a slight edge historically. Buffalo's recent success against Ottawa, particularly in the most recent game, could provide them with a psychological advantage. However, Ottawa has demonstrated resilience and the capability to win against Buffalo, as seen in their two victories over the past two seasons. The teams' performances against the spread and the tendency for games to go over the total suggest that fans can expect a competitive and potentially high-scoring game.

Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators Preview

The Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators are set to clash in what promises to be an exciting matchup at the Canadian Tire Centre. Both teams are eager to gain momentum as they navigate the second half of the NHL season. The Sabres, currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, are looking to build on their recent 4-3 shootout victory against the Washington Capitals. This win snapped a three-game losing streak and showcased their improved puck support and confidence on the ice. JJ Peterka has been a bright spot for Buffalo, extending his point streak to three games with two assists against Washington, and he will be a key player to watch as the Sabres aim to continue their upward trajectory.

On the other side, the Ottawa Senators are returning home after a challenging nine-game road trip, during which they managed a 4-4-1 record. The Senators are just one point out of a playoff spot, making this game crucial in their quest to stay competitive in the tight Eastern Conference race. Despite recent struggles in finding the back of the net, with only ten goals in their last six games, Ottawa's offense is led by Tim Stutzle, who has accumulated 41 points this season. The Senators will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and avenge their previous 5-1 loss to the Sabres earlier in the season.

Both teams have shown resilience and the ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for a potentially high-scoring affair. The Sabres' recent system tweaks have started to pay dividends, while the Senators are eager to leverage their homecoming to reignite their offensive prowess. As these two teams face off, fans can expect a competitive game with both sides striving to assert their dominance and secure a vital win.

Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators Pick: Total Goals Over

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As the Buffalo Sabres prepare to face the Ottawa Senators, the expectation is for a high-scoring affair, making the over on total goals a compelling pick. Historically, matchups between these two teams have often resulted in high-scoring games, with the total going over the set line in three of their last five encounters. The Sabres' recent form further supports this prediction. Since snapping a 13-game losing streak, Buffalo has shown an improved offensive output, highlighted by their 4-3 shootout victory against the Washington Capitals. JJ Peterka's resurgence, with 12 points in his last 11 games, underscores the Sabres' potential to contribute significantly to the scoreboard.

On the other hand, the Ottawa Senators, despite recent offensive struggles, are poised to capitalize on their homecoming after a grueling road trip. With Tim Stutzle leading the charge, the Senators are eager to reignite their scoring prowess, especially after a narrow 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The Senators' need to stay competitive in the tight Eastern Conference race adds further motivation to their offensive efforts.

Both teams have demonstrated resilience and the ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for a potentially high-scoring game. The Sabres' recent system tweaks have started to pay dividends, while the Senators are looking to leverage their home advantage to avenge their previous 5-1 loss to Buffalo. Given these dynamics, the over on total goals appears to be a strong pick for this matchup.

Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators Top Player Prop Picks

JJ Peterka Over 0.5 Points -115 (FanDuel)

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JJ Peterka has been a standout performer for the Buffalo Sabres, particularly in recent games. With a point streak extending to three games and 12 points in his last 11 outings, Peterka is proving to be a key offensive contributor for Buffalo. His recent performance against the Washington Capitals, where he notched two assists, highlights his ability to impact the game significantly. Given his current form and the Sabres' improved offensive output since their system tweaks, betting on Peterka to score over 0.5 points is a strong proposition. The Sabres' need to maintain their upward trajectory in the standings further supports this pick, as Peterka will be instrumental in their efforts to secure a win against the Senators.

Brady Tkachuk Over 3.5 Shots On Goal -125 (BetRivers)

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Brady Tkachuk is a central figure in the Ottawa Senators' offensive strategy, and his ability to generate shots on goal is crucial for the team's success. Despite the Senators' recent offensive struggles, Tkachuk's leadership and determination to keep Ottawa competitive in the playoff race make him a reliable choice for this prop. The Senators are returning home after a challenging road trip, and Tkachuk will be eager to capitalize on the home advantage to boost his team's scoring opportunities. With the Senators needing to reignite their offensive prowess, Tkachuk's aggressive playstyle and shot volume make the over on 3.5 shots on goal a compelling pick.

Rasmus Dahlin Over 0.5 Assists 115 (bet365)

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Rasmus Dahlin has been a consistent playmaker for the Buffalo Sabres, and his ability to set up scoring opportunities is vital for the team's offensive success. As the Sabres look to build on their recent victory against the Capitals, Dahlin's role in facilitating puck movement and creating chances will be crucial. His performance in past games, coupled with Buffalo's improved puck support and confidence, suggests that Dahlin is well-positioned to register an assist in the upcoming matchup against the Senators. With the Sabres aiming to continue their positive momentum, Dahlin's playmaking skills will be a key factor in their offensive strategy, making the over on 0.5 assists a strong pick.