Vancouver Canucks at Buffalo Sabres Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 11/29/2024 3:00 PM EST

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

Vancouver Canucks at Buffalo Sabres Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Vancouver Canucks -113 (BetRivers) / Buffalo Sabres -105 (Caesars)
Best Puck Line Odds: 1.5 - Vancouver Canucks +215 (Caesars) / Buffalo Sabres -250 (FanDuel)
Best Total Odds: 6.0 - Under -118 (BetRivers) / Over -104 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: 11/29/2024
Time: 3:00 PM EST
Location: KeyBank Center (Buffalo, NY)
TV: ESPN+

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past three seasons, the Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres have faced off four times, with the Canucks emerging victorious in three of those encounters. The games have shown a tendency for the visiting team to perform well, as they have won three out of the four matchups. In terms of betting outcomes, the Canucks have covered the spread once, while the Sabres have done so three times. The games have generally leaned towards lower scoring, with the total going under the set line in three of the four games, and only once exceeding the over-under line.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on March 19, 2024, where the Vancouver Canucks secured a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. The Canucks, playing at home, were the favorites with a closing moneyline of -194, while the Sabres were underdogs at +157. Vancouver opened the scoring in the first period with a goal from Conor Garland, and Elias Pettersson extended the lead in the second period. Buffalo attempted a comeback in the third period with two goals from Rasmus Dahlin, but Pettersson's second goal of the game ensured the Canucks' win. Vancouver dominated in shots on goal, outshooting Buffalo 34 to 17, and their power play efficiency stood at 20%, converting one of their five opportunities, while Buffalo failed to capitalize on any of their four power play chances.

In the other three games, the Canucks and Sabres have alternated victories, with Vancouver winning both games in the 2022-2023 season and Buffalo securing a win in the 2022-2023 season as well. The Canucks' victories were marked by strong offensive performances, including a 5-4 win on November 15, 2022, where they scored five goals, and a 1-0 shutout on January 13, 2024. Buffalo's lone win came on October 22, 2022, with a decisive 5-1 victory in Vancouver. Across these games, the Canucks have shown a slight edge in terms of overall performance, but the Sabres have been competitive, particularly in covering the spread.

Vancouver Canucks at Buffalo Sabres Preview

The Vancouver Canucks are set to face the Buffalo Sabres in what promises to be an intriguing matchup at the KeyBank Center. The Canucks, currently holding an 11-7-3 record, are coming off a narrow 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, a game that saw them rally from a four-goal deficit only to fall short in the end. Despite the setback, the Canucks have been formidable on the road, boasting a 5-0-0 record when scoring first, a testament to their ability to capitalize on early leads.

Quinn Hughes, the Canucks' captain, has been a standout performer, particularly in five-on-five situations where he ranks second among defensemen for goals. His offensive prowess was on full display against the Penguins, where he notched a goal and two assists, bringing his monthly tally to 15 points in 12 games. Elias Pettersson has also been in fine form, contributing significantly with 12 points in his last nine games, including a goal and an assist in the recent loss to Pittsburgh.

On the other side, the Buffalo Sabres, with an 11-10-1 record, are eager to bounce back after a 1-0 defeat to the Minnesota Wild. Despite the loss, the Sabres have shown resilience, particularly on their recent road trip where they secured three wins. Alex Tuch has been a key player for Buffalo, leading the team with 14 assists and 21 points. Tage Thompson, returning from a five-game absence, remains a crucial offensive threat, having recorded six shots on goal in his comeback game.

Both teams have demonstrated the ability to score and defend effectively, setting the stage for a competitive encounter. The Canucks will look to leverage their road success and the offensive contributions of Hughes and Pettersson, while the Sabres will aim to capitalize on their home advantage and the playmaking abilities of Tuch and Thompson. With both teams eager to secure a win, this matchup is poised to be a closely contested battle.

Vancouver Canucks at Buffalo Sabres Pick: Buffalo Sabres Against the Spread

As the Vancouver Canucks prepare to face the Buffalo Sabres, the betting landscape suggests a close contest, but the Sabres have a compelling case to cover the spread. Despite their recent 1-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild, the Sabres have shown resilience, particularly during their successful road trip where they secured three wins. This indicates a team capable of bouncing back from setbacks, especially when playing at home.

Buffalo's offensive capabilities are bolstered by the return of Tage Thompson, who, despite a five-game absence, leads the team with 11 goals. His presence adds a significant threat to the Sabres' attack, as evidenced by his six shots on goal in his return game. Alongside Alex Tuch, who has been instrumental with 14 assists and 21 points, the Sabres have the firepower to challenge the Canucks' defense.

Moreover, the Canucks' recent performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in their defensive structure, as they allowed four goals in the first period. Although they mounted a comeback, the initial deficit proved too much to overcome. This inconsistency could be exploited by a Sabres team eager to capitalize on their home advantage.

Historically, the Sabres have been competitive against the Canucks, covering the spread in three of their last four encounters. This trend, combined with their current form and the boost from Thompson's return, positions Buffalo well to cover the spread in this matchup. With the game set to be a tightly contested affair, the Sabres' ability to perform under pressure and their recent track record against Vancouver make them a strong pick against the spread.

Vancouver Canucks at Buffalo Sabres Top Player Prop Picks

Quinn Hughes Over 0.5 Assists -142 (DraftKings)

Quinn Hughes has been a pivotal force for the Vancouver Canucks, particularly in their offensive plays. His ability to create scoring opportunities is evident from his recent performances, where he has consistently contributed to the team's point tally. In the matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hughes not only scored a goal but also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking skills. With 15 points in 12 games this month, Hughes is in excellent form, and his role as a key distributor on the ice makes the over on 0.5 assists a compelling pick. Given his current momentum and the Canucks' reliance on his offensive contributions, Hughes is well-positioned to register at least one assist against the Sabres.

Elias Pettersson Over 0.5 Points -142 (DraftKings)

Elias Pettersson has been a consistent offensive threat for the Canucks, and his recent form suggests he will continue to be a key player in their matchup against the Sabres. Pettersson has accumulated 12 points in his last nine games, including a goal and an assist in the recent game against Pittsburgh. His ability to find the back of the net and set up his teammates makes him a reliable choice for over 0.5 points. With the Canucks looking to bounce back from their loss to the Penguins, Pettersson's offensive prowess will be crucial, and he is likely to be involved in the scoring against Buffalo.

Alex Tuch Over 0.5 Points -148 (DraftKings)

Alex Tuch has been a standout performer for the Buffalo Sabres, leading the team with 14 assists and 21 points this season. His playmaking ability and offensive contributions have been instrumental in the Sabres' success, particularly during their recent road trip. Despite the team's loss to the Minnesota Wild, Tuch's consistent performance makes him a strong candidate to register at least one point against the Canucks. With the Sabres eager to capitalize on their home advantage and Tuch's ability to create scoring opportunities, the over on 0.5 points is a solid pick for this matchup.