Los Angeles Kings at. Buffalo Sabres Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/10/2024 7:00 PM EST

We have your Los Angeles Kings vs. Buffalo Sabres prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Los Angeles Kings hit the road to face the Buffalo Sabres.

Los Angeles Kings at. Buffalo Sabres Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Los Angeles Kings -114 (FanDuel) / Buffalo Sabres -105 (FanDuel)
Best Puck Line Odds: -1.5 - Los Angeles Kings -278 (BetRivers) / Buffalo Sabres +220 (BetRivers)
Best Total Odds: 6.5 - Under -120 (Caesars) / Over +105 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: 10/10/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: KeyBank Center (Buffalo, NY)
TV: ESPN+

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past three seasons, the Los Angeles Kings and the Buffalo Sabres have faced each other four times. In these matchups, the Sabres have emerged victorious in three games, while the Kings have secured a single win. The home team has generally held the advantage, winning three out of the four games, with the visiting team managing just one victory. When it comes to covering the spread, the Sabres have been more successful, covering in three games compared to the Kings' one. The games have predominantly leaned towards higher scoring, with the over hitting in three of the four contests, while the under was achieved only once.

The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on February 13, 2024, where the Buffalo Sabres dominated the Los Angeles Kings with a 7-0 victory. The Sabres were the underdogs with a closing moneyline of +123, yet they managed to outperform expectations significantly. The game saw the Sabres take an early lead with three goals in the first period, followed by two more in the second, and another two in the third. Despite the Kings having more shots on goal, 33 compared to the Sabres' 24, they were unable to convert any into goals. The Sabres' power play was notably effective, converting 50% of their opportunities, while the Kings failed to capitalize on their three power plays. The Sabres' goaltender, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, achieved a shutout with 33 saves, contributing to the Sabres' comprehensive win.

In the context of these past matchups, the Sabres have shown a consistent ability to outperform the Kings, particularly when playing at home. The Kings have struggled both offensively and defensively in these encounters, as evidenced by their inability to score in two of the four games. The Sabres have demonstrated a strong power play and effective goaltending, which have been key factors in their victories. As the teams prepare to face each other again, these historical performances provide a backdrop of the Sabres' recent dominance and the challenges the Kings will need to overcome to secure a win.

Los Angeles Kings vs. Buffalo Sabres Preview

The Los Angeles Kings are set to kick off their season against the Buffalo Sabres, a team that has proven to be a formidable opponent in recent matchups. The Kings, coming off a roster finalization that saw Andre Lee sent to the Ontario Reign, are looking to establish a strong start to their campaign. While Lee's absence opens up a spot that could be filled by Lewis, the Kings' lineup is expected to feature a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. Clarke, a player to watch, may see increased ice time, especially with the addition of Edmundson as his stay-at-home partner.

On the other side, the Sabres are eager to secure their first win of the season after a challenging start. With JJ Peterka and Zach Benson returning to practice following injuries, their potential inclusion in the lineup could provide a much-needed boost. Both players have been pivotal in the Sabres' offensive strategies, particularly on the power play, where they have shown significant promise. Coach Lindy Ruff remains cautious, however, as their participation will depend on their post-practice recovery.

Historically, the Sabres have had the upper hand against the Kings, winning three of their last four encounters. Their most recent clash saw the Sabres deliver a resounding 7-0 victory, underscoring their offensive prowess and defensive resilience. The Sabres' ability to capitalize on power plays and the stellar performance of goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen were key factors in their success. As the Kings prepare to face a team that has consistently outperformed them, they will need to address their scoring inefficiencies and tighten their defensive play to challenge the Sabres effectively.

With the game set to take place at the KeyBank Center, the Sabres will look to leverage their home advantage once again. The Kings, meanwhile, will aim to disrupt the Sabres' rhythm and assert their presence early in the game. As both teams gear up for this exciting matchup, the stage is set for a thrilling contest that could set the tone for their respective seasons.

Los Angeles Kings at. Buffalo Sabres Pick: Buffalo Sabres Against the Spread

As the Los Angeles Kings prepare to face the Buffalo Sabres, the historical context and current team dynamics suggest a strong case for the Sabres to cover the spread. Over the past three seasons, the Sabres have consistently outperformed the Kings, winning three out of their last four encounters. This dominance is further highlighted by their most recent matchup, where the Sabres secured a commanding 7-0 victory. Despite being underdogs with a closing moneyline of +123, the Sabres showcased their offensive prowess and defensive resilience, capitalizing on power plays and benefiting from stellar goaltending by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who achieved a shutout with 33 saves.

The Sabres' ability to leverage their home advantage at the KeyBank Center has been a significant factor in their success against the Kings. With the return of key players JJ Peterka and Zach Benson to practice, the Sabres' offensive lineup is poised to regain its full strength. Both players have been instrumental in the Sabres' power play strategies, which have proven effective in past matchups against the Kings. Although their participation in the upcoming game is contingent on their recovery post-practice, their potential inclusion could provide a crucial boost to the Sabres' offensive capabilities.

Conversely, the Kings face challenges in overcoming their scoring inefficiencies and defensive lapses, as evidenced by their inability to score in two of their last four games against the Sabres. While the Kings have made roster adjustments, including the potential inclusion of Lewis and increased ice time for Clarke, they will need to significantly elevate their performance to counter the Sabres' home advantage and recent dominance.

Given these factors, the Sabres' historical success, home advantage, and potential return of key players make them a compelling pick to cover the spread against the Kings. As the teams prepare for this highly anticipated matchup, the Sabres appear well-positioned to continue their winning trend and assert their dominance once again.

Los Angeles Kings at. Buffalo Sabres Top Player Prop Picks

Adrian Kempe Over 3.5 Shots On Goal +140 (BetRivers)

Adrian Kempe is poised to be a key offensive contributor for the Los Angeles Kings in their season opener against the Buffalo Sabres. With the Kings looking to establish a strong start, Kempe's role in generating offensive opportunities will be crucial. The odds of +140 for Kempe to exceed 3.5 shots on goal present a compelling value, especially considering the Kings' need to overcome their recent scoring inefficiencies against the Sabres. Kempe's ability to create scoring chances and his likely increased ice time make this prop an attractive option for bettors.

Tage Thompson Over 3.5 Shots On Goal +110 (DraftKings)

Tage Thompson is expected to be a central figure in the Sabres' offensive strategy, particularly with the potential return of JJ Peterka and Zach Benson to the lineup. Thompson's role alongside Peterka and Alex Tuch positions him as a primary shooter, especially on the power play, where the Sabres have shown significant promise. With the Sabres emphasizing their power play in practice, Thompson is likely to see ample opportunities to test the Kings' defense. The odds of +110 for Thompson to surpass 3.5 shots on goal reflect his integral role in the Sabres' attack and the likelihood of him being a focal point in their offensive efforts.

Rasmus Dahlin Over 2.5 Shots On Goal +100 (DraftKings)

Rasmus Dahlin's presence on the ice is pivotal for the Sabres, particularly in orchestrating plays from the blue line. As a defenseman with offensive capabilities, Dahlin is expected to contribute significantly to the Sabres' shot totals. His involvement in the power play, coupled with the Sabres' focus on this aspect of their game, enhances his chances of exceeding 2.5 shots on goal. The even odds of +100 make this prop an enticing option, given Dahlin's ability to influence the game both defensively and offensively. His role in facilitating puck movement and creating shooting lanes will be crucial as the Sabres aim to capitalize on their home advantage against the Kings.