Wild vs Sabres Prediction & Odds - 3/22/2025

The Minnesota Wild's playoff push faces a tricky test against the Buffalo Sabres this Saturday afternoon, with key offensive weapons Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek sidelined by injuries.

While the Wild have found ways to grind out wins behind Filip Gustavsson's stellar goaltending (five shutouts this season), their league-worst penalty kill could open the door for Buffalo's young guns like Tage Thompson to capitalize.

The stage is set for what should be another tight defensive battle at the Xcel Energy Center, where the home team Minnesota Wild (39-25-5) look to sweep their season series against the away team Buffalo Sabres (27-34-6).

Minnesota Wild vs. Buffalo Sabres preview

The Minnesota Wild host the Buffalo Sabres at Xcel Energy Center in what's shaping up to be a classic clash of contrasting styles - Buffalo's high-octane offense against Minnesota's lockdown defense.

The Wild's been hit hard by injuries lately, with scoring threats Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek sidelined, putting extra pressure on Matt Boldy to keep the offense clicking.

Buffalo's young guns Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but they'll need to crack Filip Gustavsson - who's been nothing short of spectacular with five shutouts and a stingy 2.51 GAA.

The Sabres' defensive struggles have been their Achilles' heel, giving up over 3.5 goals per game, though Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's shown he can steal a game when he's dialed in.

These teams' last meeting was a nail-biter, with Minnesota squeaking out a 1-0 win - don't be shocked if we're in for another tight defensive battle.

The Wild's penalty kill has been their weak spot (second-worst in the league), which could open the door for Buffalo's opportunistic offense to make some noise.

With Minnesota fighting for playoff position and Buffalo looking to play spoiler, this Saturday afternoon showdown's got all the makings of a chess match on ice.