Buffalo Sabres vs Los Angeles Kings 2/13/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Game Preview
The Buffalo Sabres will square off against the Los Angeles Kings in a thrilling NHL showdown at Crypto.com Arena in California on Monday, February 13, 2023, with puck drop set for 10:30 PM ET. In their most recent outing, the Sabres suffered a 7-2 defeat at the hands of the Calgary Flames, despite starting strong with a 2-0 lead after the first period. Buffalo was outshot 40-23, with Tage Thompson and Casey Mittelstadt each registering a goal in the loss. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (13-7-2, 3.47 GAA) allowed a combined total of 13 goals, was tagged for seven goals in the defeat. It remains to be seen whether Craig Anderson (8-6-2, 2.73 GAA) or Eric Comrie (5-8-0, 3.54 GAA) will be selected to face the Kings.
The Sabres currently rank third in the NHL in average goals scored per game (3.67) and 23rd in average goals allowed per game (3.45). Tage Thompson leads the team and sits third in the league with 39 goals, pacing the Sabres in scoring with 69 points, and registering three goals and three assists in his last three games. Alex Tuch is second on the team with 24 goals, recording two goals and two assists in his last five games. Before their recent road loss, the Sabres had won three consecutive road games and sport a road record of 15-7-2, which is better than their home record of 11-14-2 for the season.
- The Buffalo Sabres are 5-2 SU in their last 7 matches with the Kings.
- Buffalo is 12-4 SU in their last 16 games on the road.
- The Sabres are 3-12 SU in their last 15 games on the road against Los Angeles.
Buffalo Sabres vs Los Angeles Kings 2/13/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Game Preview
The Kings were in top form in their recent home win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, with a final score of 6-0. Adrian Kempe was the standout player, recording a hat trick and one more goal for a total of four. Kevin Fiala, Anze Kopitar, and Drew Doughty each chipped in with assists, and Pheonix Copley earned his first shutout of the season with a solid performance in net, blocking all 25 shots he faced. With Jonathan Quick (8-12-4) having dropped his last seven starts, it remains to be seen who will get the start in the upcoming game against the Buffalo Sabres.
The Kings average 3.24 goals per game and allow 3.37 goals per game on average this season. Kempe leads the team with 26 goals, and he was on fire in the recent game, with four goals to his name. Fiala, who has 18 goals and 37 points, leads the team in assists with 55. Kopitar is second on the team in terms of points and has five assists in the past two games.
- The total remained UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles’ last 5 matches with the Sabres.
- The total went OVER in 4 of Los Angeles’ last 6 games at home.
- Los Angeles is 12-3 SU in their last 15 games at home against Buffalo.
Buffalo Sabres vs Los Angeles Kings. The NHL pick for this game is the Los Angeles Kings. The Buffalo Sabres suffered a three-game losing streak and were overpowered in their previous two matchups, yielding seven goals in their latest outing. Despite being eliminated from the playoffs, the team put up strong performances on the road this season. However, the defensive unit encountered numerous challenges throughout the year and surrendered a dozen goals in their last two games. On the other side, the Los Angeles Kings dominated in their latest contest, netting six goals and are expected to continue their aggressive play in this upcoming game. The Kings will also be a threat in the offensive zone against the Sabres. It is projected that the Los Angeles Kings will secure a 5-3 victory.
NHL Starting Time: 10:30 PM (EDT)
Location: Crypto.com Arena, CA
Date: Monday, February 13, 2023
TV: BSW
NHL Odds: Buffalo Sabres +131
NHL Totals: 6.5
