The Buffalo Sabres are set to face the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Buffalo Sabres Overview

The Sabres (27-33-6, 33-33 ATS) recently endured a six-game losing streak but have rebounded with three victories in their last four outings, defeating the Oilers, Golden Knights, and Bruins, while falling to the Red Wings. Currently, they sit at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with 60 points, trailing the division-leading Florida Panthers by 25 points.

Offensively, Buffalo averages 3.12 goals per game (12th in the league), but defensively, they allow 3.50 goals per game (29th). Key contributors include Tage Thompson with 59 points (34 goals, 25 assists), Rasmus Dahlin with 52 points (12 goals, 40 assists), and JJ Peterka with 51 points (19 goals, 32 assists).

Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (23-21-4) is expected to start, sporting a 3.16 goals-against average (GAA), an .888 save percentage (SV%), and two shutouts this season.

Utah Hockey Club Overview

The Utah Hockey Club (30-27-11, 30-38 ATS) concluded the previous month with three consecutive wins but have struggled in March, losing five of eight games. After a three-game road trip, which included losses to the Kraken and Oilers and a win against the Canucks, they return home. They currently rank sixth in the Central Division with 71 points, 27 points behind the leading Winnipeg Jets.

The team averages 2.79 goals per game (22nd) and concedes 2.97 goals per game (18th). Notable players are Clayton Keller with 75 points (24 goals, 51 assists), Nick Schmaltz with 53 points (16 goals, 37 assists), and Logan Cooley with 49 points (18 goals, 31 assists).

Goaltender Karel Vejmelka (19-18-6) is anticipated to start, with a 2.50 GAA, a .908 SV%, and one shutout this season.

Betting Trends

• Six of the Sabres’ last seven games against Central Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.

• Eight of Utah’s last ten night games at Delta Center have gone UNDER the total goals line.

• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in ten of the Sabres’ last eleven games following an overtime win.

• The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in three of Utah’s last four games as a favorite against Atlantic Division opponents.

Prediction

In their previous meeting this season, Utah secured a 5-2 victory in Buffalo. Given the Sabres’ defensive vulnerabilities and Utah’s prior success against them, it’s plausible that Utah could replicate a high-scoring performance. Considering the Sabres’ tendency for high-scoring games, wagering on the OVER for total goals in this matchup appears favorable.

Note: Betting trends and statistics are subject to change; always consult the latest data before making wagering decisions.