The Buffalo Sabres welcome the Boston Bruins to KeyBank Center this Sunday riding the high of their recent 5-2 victory over the Senators, while the Bruins are desperate to bounce back after a disappointing 4-1 loss to the Canadiens.
Both teams have struggled defensively this season, with Buffalo surrendering 262 goals and Boston allowing 251, though the Sabres hold a slight edge offensively with 241 goals compared to the Bruins' 197.
With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen likely manning the crease for the home team against Boston's Joonas Korpisalo, special teams could prove decisive as the Buffalo Sabres face off against the Boston Bruins in what promises to be an entertaining Eastern Conference showdown.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins matchup, our predictive model gives the Bruins a 56% chance of defeating the Sabres.
Pre-game probabilities
Boston Bruins
Moneyline
Win %
56%
44%
Buffalo Sabres
Boston Bruins: 56% win probability
- Better recent form with an LWWWL record compared to Sabres' WWWLW (showing more consistency in last 5 games)
- Stronger defensive discipline allowing 253 goals against compared to Sabres' 265 (12 fewer goals)
- More experience in tight games with both teams having 31 wins but Bruins having played more games (77 vs 75)
Buffalo Sabres: 44% win probability
- Defensive vulnerability with 265 goals against (4th worst in Eastern Conference)
- Inconsistent point accumulation with 72 points in 75 games (0.96 points per game)
- Goal differential issues with 247 goals for and 265 against (negative 18 differential)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts..
| Buffalo Sabres | Boston Bruins | |
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Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins preview
The struggling Bruins head to KeyBank Center this Sunday looking to bounce back from a disappointing 4-1 loss to the Canadiens where their offense simply couldn't get going.
Buffalo comes in with some momentum after downing the Senators 5-2, showcasing their superior finishing ability with a team shooting percentage of 11.90% compared to Boston's 9.8%.
Both squads have had defensive issues this season, with the Bruins surrendering 251 goals while the Sabres haven't fared much better with 262 goals allowed.
Keep an eye on goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who despite facing heavy pressure this season, boasts a quality start percentage of 53.4% and could be the difference-maker for Buffalo.
Boston's penalty kill might be their Achilles' heel in this matchup, as they've allowed opponents a whopping 225 power play opportunities (4th most in the NHL).
The odds slightly favor the home team Sabres at -130, which feels about right given their better recent form and home-ice advantage.
Look for Buffalo to capitalize on their slightly more potent power play (18.31% vs. Boston's 15.21%) in what should be a high-scoring affair if the over/under of 6 goals is any indication.
Though Boston has struggled, don't count them out completely – hockey's funny like that, and the Bruins could absolutely steal one on the road if Joonas Korpisalo stands on his head between the pipes.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins form
Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins head to head
Buffalo Sabres
50%
Boston Bruins
50%
Mar 17, 2025
Boston Bruins
2 : 3
Buffalo Sabres
Jan 29, 2025
Buffalo Sabres
7 : 2
Boston Bruins
Dec 22, 2024
Boston Bruins
3 : 1
Buffalo Sabres
Dec 28, 2023
Buffalo Sabres
1 : 4
Boston Bruins
Dec 8, 2023
Boston Bruins
1 : 3
Buffalo Sabres
Nov 15, 2023
Buffalo Sabres
2 : 5
Boston Bruins
