Sabres vs. Lightning: Projected Lines, Betting Odds, How to Watch & More 4/15/24

The season is coming to an end. The Buffalo Sabres [38-37-6] faceoff against the Tampa Bay Lightning [44-28-8] in the season finale. The Sabres have notched three of a possible four points since their playoff hopes were eliminated, looking for two more in an upset of the Lightning to finish with 84 points on the year. Tampa Bay is headed to the postseason, likely facing the winner of the Atlantic Division.

Must Read: Sabres vs. Panthers Reaction: Quinn, Costly Penalties, & Reinhart Heroics

How to Watch

Gametime: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Amalie Arena (Tampa, FLA)

TV: MSG (Buffalo); BSFL (Tampa)

Stream: MSG+

Radio: WGR550

The Sabres

Zach Benson was the focal point of discussion before Saturday’s game against the Florida Panthers, but during it, his linemate Jack Quinn was the highlight. Quinn has stepped up with four goals in his last five games, displaying his elite shot. With Benson and Quinn contributing offensively, the attention now turns to their centerman, Dylan Cozens. Once considered a breakout candidate, Cozens has been sequestered to a defensive role for most of the season.

As Buffalo’s number two center, Cozens has to establish himself as more of an offensive threat and improve his production totals. 16 goals and 44 points is not going to cut it.

The Lightning

A career year for Nikita Kucherov has him atop the Hart Trophy discussion. His 141 points lead the NHL, and he’s two assists shy of hitting the century mark with two games remaining. 100 assists is an iconic milestone and not only attests to the skill of Kucherov but also the state of scoring in the league today. We’re definitely in an era of offensive upswing, which can only be good for fans and the entertainment aspect of the sport.

Injury Report

Buffalo

• Mattias Samuelsson (Upper Body) Out For Season [IR]

Tampa Bay

• Tyler Motte (Lower Body) Out
• Jonas Johansson (Lower Body) Out
• Haydn Fleury (Undisclosed) Out
• Mikhail Sergachev (Leg) Out [IR]
• Logan Brown (Undisclosed) Out [IR]

Projected Lines

Buffalo Sabres

JJ Peterka – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch

Zach Benson – Dylan Cozens – Jack Quinn

Jeff Skinner – Peyton Krebs – Jordan Greenway

Zemgus Girgensons – Tyson Jost – Victor Olofsson

Rasmus Dahlin – Henri Jokiharju

Bowen Byram – Owen Power

Jacob Bryson – Connor Clifton

Eric Comrie (Confirmed)

Lineup Source: Lance Lysowski, The Buffalo News

Goalie Source: Lance Lysowski, The Buffalo News

Tampa Bay Lightning

Anthony Duclair – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov

Brandon Hagel – Anthony Cirelli – Steven Stamkos

Michael Eyssimont – Nick Paul – Mitchell Chaffee

Tanner Jeannot – Luke Glendening – Conor Sheary

Victor Hedman – Darren Raddysh

Nick Perbix – Erik Cernak

Emil Lilleberg – Matt Dumba

Andrei Vasilevskiy (Confirmed)

Lineup Source: Gabby Shirley, TB Lightning

Goalie Source: Gabby Shirley, TB Lightning

Betting Breakdown

Eric Comrie starting in net for the Sabres gives us a mild edge on betting them over the Lightning. Predictably, the sportsbooks have adjusted to the news, and the Sabres can be had at +150 in some places.

The PuckLuck model lists the Sabres at +120, or a 45.5% chance of winning. There’s a betting edge compared to the 40% implied by the sportsbooks at +150.

The confidence in betting the game total isn’t there, with the variability of Buffalo with Comrie in net. While the 6.05 projected goal total is under the 6.5 set total, the buy at -115 isn’t of much value either. It’s best to stay away from this one.

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.*