Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/16/2024 7:00 PM EST

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

Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Buffalo Sabres +110 (BetMGM) / Pittsburgh Penguins -128 (FanDuel)
Best Puck Line Odds: -1.5 - Buffalo Sabres -220 (bet365) / Pittsburgh Penguins +190 (FanDuel)
Best Total Odds: 6.5 - Under -128 (FanDuel) / 6.0 - Over -120 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: 10/16/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: PPG Paints Arena (Pittsburgh, PA)
TV: TNT

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins have faced off three times, with Buffalo winning two of those encounters and Pittsburgh securing one victory. The games were played between November 2023 and January 2024. In these matchups, the home team emerged victorious twice, while the visiting team won once. Buffalo managed to cover the spread in two games, whereas Pittsburgh covered it in one. Notably, all three games went under the total points line, indicating a trend of lower-scoring affairs between these teams. Key statistics from these games include Buffalo's consistent ability to outscore Pittsburgh in crucial moments, despite being the underdog in two of the matchups.

The most recent game took place on January 6, 2024, where the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1. Buffalo, playing as the visiting team, was the underdog with a closing moneyline of +136. The Sabres took an early lead in the first period with a goal from Alex Tuch, and after a scoreless second period, Pittsburgh equalized in the third period with a power-play goal from Rickard Rakell. However, Buffalo regained the lead with a goal from Zemgus Girgensons and sealed the victory with an unassisted goal by Rasmus Dahlin. Buffalo's goaltender, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, was instrumental in the win, making 40 saves on 41 shots, resulting in a save percentage of 0.976. Despite being outshot by Pittsburgh, Buffalo's defense and goaltending proved decisive.

In the earlier games, the teams split victories, with Pittsburgh winning 4-0 on November 11, 2023, and Buffalo winning 3-2 on November 24, 2023. In the November 11 game, Pittsburgh, as the home favorite, dominated with a shutout performance by Tristan Jarry, who saved all 35 shots he faced. Conversely, in the November 24 game, Buffalo, playing at home, overcame a two-goal deficit to win 3-2, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen again playing a key role by making 31 saves. These games highlight the competitive nature of the matchups, with both teams showing the ability to win both at home and on the road, and the importance of goaltending in determining the outcome.

Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins return to PPG Paints Arena with a mission to secure their first home victory of the season after a disappointing 6-0 loss to the New York Rangers in their home opener. The Penguins, led by the legendary Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, are eager to capitalize on their recent road success, having won two out of three games. Malkin, in particular, has been in stellar form, contributing significantly with seven points in four games, including a standout performance against the Montreal Canadiens. Crosby, on the brink of a historic milestone, needs just one point to become the 10th player in NHL history to reach 1,600 regular-season points, adding an extra layer of excitement to this matchup.

On the other side, the Buffalo Sabres are riding high after their first win of the season, a convincing 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers. The Sabres have shown resilience, bouncing back from a tough start where they were outscored 10-3 in their first three games. With forward J.J. Peterka potentially returning to the lineup after a concussion, Buffalo aims to build on their newfound momentum. The Sabres have emphasized physicality under coach Lindy Ruff, ranking second in the NHL for hits per 60 minutes, a strategy that has started to pay dividends.

Historically, the Sabres have had the upper hand in recent encounters with the Penguins, winning two of their last three matchups. However, the Penguins' veteran experience and the home advantage could prove decisive. As both teams look to improve their early-season records, this game promises to be a tightly contested battle, with Pittsburgh's seasoned stars and Buffalo's emerging talents each having something to prove.

Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins Moneyline

As the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare to host the Buffalo Sabres, the odds and recent performances suggest a strong case for backing the Penguins on the moneyline. The Penguins, despite a rocky start at home with a 6-0 loss to the New York Rangers, have shown resilience and improvement on their recent road trip, winning two out of three games. This return to form is largely attributed to the stellar play of Evgeni Malkin, who has been a key contributor with seven points in four games, including a standout performance against the Montreal Canadiens. Malkin's ability to dominate offensively, coupled with his improved defensive play, has been a significant factor in Pittsburgh's recent success.

Moreover, the Penguins have the added motivation of Sidney Crosby's pursuit of a historic milestone. Crosby is just one point away from becoming the 10th player in NHL history to reach 1,600 regular-season points. This potential achievement not only adds excitement but also serves as a rallying point for the team, which is eager to secure its first home victory of the season.

On the other hand, while the Buffalo Sabres are coming off a morale-boosting 5-2 win over the Florida Panthers, their early-season inconsistency cannot be overlooked. The Sabres struggled in their first three games, being outscored 10-3, and although they have shown signs of improvement, their ability to perform consistently on the road remains in question. Additionally, the Sabres' emphasis on physicality, while effective in certain aspects, may not be enough to counter the veteran experience and skill of the Penguins.

Historically, the Penguins have been a formidable opponent at home, and despite recent setbacks, their veteran leadership and home-ice advantage could prove decisive. With the Penguins' seasoned stars eager to make a statement and capitalize on their recent momentum, the smart pick is to back Pittsburgh on the moneyline as they aim to secure a crucial home victory against the Sabres.

Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins Top Player Prop Picks

Evgeni Malkin Over 2.5 Shots On Goal 110 (DraftKings)

Evgeni Malkin has been a standout performer for the Pittsburgh Penguins early in the season, contributing significantly to their offensive efforts. With seven points in four games, Malkin's offensive prowess is evident, and his ability to generate shots on goal is a key component of his game. In the Penguins' recent victory over the Montreal Canadiens, Malkin not only set up goals but also found the back of the net himself, showcasing his dual threat as both a playmaker and a shooter. Given his current form and the Penguins' need to secure their first home win, Malkin is likely to be heavily involved in the offensive zone, making the over on 2.5 shots on goal a strong play.

Alex Tuch Over 2.5 Shots On Goal 100 (BetRivers)

Alex Tuch has been a consistent offensive contributor for the Buffalo Sabres, extending his point streak to three games with a goal and an assist in their recent win over the Florida Panthers. Tuch's ability to generate shots is crucial for the Sabres, especially as they look to build on their first victory of the season. With the Sabres emphasizing physicality and offensive pressure under coach Lindy Ruff, Tuch's role in driving the attack becomes even more significant. His performance in the Sabres' last encounter with the Penguins, where he scored a crucial goal, further supports the case for him to exceed 2.5 shots on goal in this matchup.

Sidney Crosby Over 0.5 Assists -115 (DraftKings)

Sidney Crosby is on the brink of a historic milestone, needing just one point to become the 10th player in NHL history to reach 1,600 regular-season points. While Crosby has yet to score a goal this season, his playmaking ability remains elite, as evidenced by his three assists in four games. The Penguins captain has a history of performing well against the Sabres, leading all active players in scoring against them. With the added motivation of reaching a significant career milestone and the Penguins' focus on securing their first home win, Crosby is poised to play a pivotal role in setting up his teammates, making the over on 0.5 assists a compelling choice.