Sabres vs. Senators: Projected Lines, Betting Odds, How to Watch & More 3/27/24

The Buffalo Sabres [34-33-5] will host the Ottawa Senators [30-36-4] in an Atlantic Division showdown on Wednesday. The Sabres are eight points out of a playoff position and clinging to hopes of a Wild Card bid. The Senators are second-last in the Eastern Conference, looking to play a spoiler’s role in Buffalo’s postseason chances.

Must Read: Sabres Getting Key Forward Back From Injury

How to Watch

Gametime: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: KeyBank Center (Buffalo, NY)

TV: Sportsnet; MSG (Buffalo); RDS (Ottawa)

Stream: MSG+

Radio: WGR550

The Sabres

The Sabres are coming off a win Sunday over the Calgary Flames. Head coach Don Granato discussed keeping together a winning lineup after the game, but the return of forward Jack Quinn has thrown a wrench in things.

Quinn is projected to skate alongside JJ Peterka and Dylan Cozens on Wednesday, reuniting one of the most successful Sabres trios this season. Moving Peterka away from the top line with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch is a bit controversial, as they’ve recorded eight combined points in the two games they’ve been together.

Moser: Peterka With Thompson and Tuch Is Not The Answer

In the crease will be Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen – to no one’s surprise. Luukkonen has been spectacular for the Sabres in 2024, with nearly 23 goals saved above expected per Evolving-Hockey. Notably, Devon Levi is still with the team as is Eric Comrie. The three-headed goaltending carousel will likely remain through Saturday, as Levi is expected to draw one of the two back-to-back starts over the next two games.

The Senators

The road struggles have hindered the Senators all season, as they’re 11-20-2 away from their building this season. Ottawa has talent on their roster and a winning record at home, so something about the travel schedule has not clicked.

The forward group is led by Brady Tkachuk, who has scored at least 30 goals in three straight seasons. The defense has three quality offensive defensemen – Jake Sanderson, Jakob Chychrun, and Thomas Chabot.

What’s let them down is their ability to force overtime. They’ve had 12 losses by one goal. Eight of those losses have come in regulation.

Injury Report

Buffalo

• Lukas Rousek (Face) Day-to-Day
• Tyson Jost (Undisclosed) Day-to-Day
• Mattias Samuelsson (Upper Body) Out For Season [IR]

Ottawa

• Rourke Chartier (Upper Body) Out [IR]
• Matthew Highmore (Upper Body) Out [IR]
• Zack MacEwen (Lower Body) Out [IR]
• Josh Norris (Shoulder) Out [IR]

Projected Lines

Buffalo Sabres

Jordan Greenway – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch

JJ Peterka – Dylan Cozens – Jack Quinn

Jeff Skinner – Peyton Krebs – Zach Benson

Eric Robinson – Zemgus Girgensons – Victor Olofsson

Bowen Byram – Rasmus Dahlin

Owen Power – Henri Jokiharju

Jacob Bryson – Kale Clague

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Confirmed)

Lineup Source: Mike Harrington, The Buffalo News

Goalie Source: Mike Harrington, The Buffalo News

Ottawa Senators

Brady Tkachuk – Shane Pinto – Drake Batherson

Angus Crookshank – Tim Stutzle – Claude Giroux

Mathieu Joseph – Ridly Greig – Dominik Kubalik

Boris Katchouk – Mark Kastelic – Parker Kelly

Jake Sanderson – Artem Zub

Thomas Chabot – Erik Brannstrom

Jakob Chychrun – Jacob Bernard-Docker

Joonas Korpisalo (Confirmed)

Lineup Source: TSN1200

Goalie Source: TSN1200

Betting Odds Breakdown

The Sabres are home favorites over the Senators on Wednesday, with the PuckLuck model and the consensus at the sportsbooks in agreement on the win probability.

The result is that there’s not a lot of value unless you head to the puckline. Ottawa is hovering around -190 when spotted a goal and a half, implying around a 65% chance of finishing within a goal or better. Based on the latest game simulations, PuckLuck lists the odds at 72%.

The more streamlined play to make is on the under currently listed at 6.5 goals. You can find it at -105 or, in some cases, even money, meaning you’ll double up your wager if the bet wins. The model projects less than six combined goals between the Senators and Sabres, leaving plenty of value.

For more betting analysis across the NHL, head over to PuckLuck.com.

*PuckLuck.com provides data related to gambling and cannot guarantee the success of any suggested or related wagers. Please gamble responsibly.*