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Fri, Jan 30 · 12:00 AM UTC · KeyBank Center
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Morning
Morning Report
Thu, Jan 29 · 4:46 PM UTC
Summary

The Buffalo Sabres, riding a franchise-best 19-3-1 run and a four-game winning streak, face the Los Angeles Kings, who are also in strong form with a three-game winning streak. Despite Buffalo missing starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon's nine-game winning streak gives the home team a goaltending edge, complemented by a significant special teams advantage over the Kings. Betting lines favor Buffalo, though the total is shaded slightly to the Under, reflecting the anticipated 'pace battle' between Buffalo's offense and LA's defense.

Key Points
  • Buffalo enters the game on a four-game winning streak and a historic 19-3-1 record since December 9th, while Los Angeles is on a three-game winning streak and six-game point streak.
  • Buffalo is significantly impacted by the confirmed absence of starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (lower-body injury), though backup Alex Lyon is on an impressive nine-game winning streak.
  • Los Angeles' key player Anze Kopitar is questionable for the game, having missed 10 games but potentially returning during the road trip.
  • The Buffalo Sabres hold a significant special teams advantage, with the Kings' power play ranked 31st and penalty kill ranked 21st.
  • Betting lines favor Buffalo (-130) on the moneyline, with the total set at 6 goals, showing a slight lean towards the Under.
Team Form
Buffalo
Record0-0
Last 5N/A
StreakWon 4
HomeHome: 0-0
hot
VS
Los Angeles
Record0-0
Last 5N/A
StreakWon 3
AwayAway: 0-0
hot

Both teams are in excellent recent form, entering the game on winning streaks. Buffalo holds a slight edge with a four-game winning streak and a 19-3-1 record since December 9th, their winningest 23-game stretch in franchise history, compared to Los Angeles' three-game winning streak and six-game point streak.

Injury Report
Buffalo high impact
  • Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen out lower-body injury
Los Angeles medium impact
  • Anze Kopitar questionable unspecified

The Buffalo Sabres are significantly impacted by the absence of starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who is out with a lower-body injury. While Alex Lyon is on a strong winning streak, losing a primary starter is a high impact. The Los Angeles Kings are awaiting the potential return of key player Anze Kopitar, who has missed 10 games but is hopeful to return during the current road trip, making him questionable for this game. Buffalo is more affected due to a confirmed absence in a critical position.

Head-to-Head
Recent Meetings N/A
Trend N/A

Head-to-head history between these teams is not available in the provided research data.

Betting Lines
Spread Buffalo -1.5 (+185) / Los Angeles +1.5 (-225)
Total 6 (Over -110 / Under -110)
Moneyline Buffalo -130 / Los Angeles +110
Movement The total is shaded slightly to the Under, and the puck line pricing is heavy on the Kings +1.5.

The Buffalo Sabres are favored on the moneyline at -130, with the Los Angeles Kings as underdogs at +110. The spread is Buffalo -1.5 (+185) and Los Angeles +1.5 (-225). The total is set at 6 goals, with both Over and Under priced at -110. Significant line movement indicates a slight shading towards the Under for the total and heavy pricing on the Kings +1.5 on the puck line.

Prediction
Buffalo Sabres
medium confidence

Despite the absence of starting goaltender Luukkonen, Buffalo's exceptional team form, home-ice advantage, and significant special teams superiority give them an edge. Alex Lyon's current nine-game winning streak provides strong goaltending, and the potential absence or limited effectiveness of Anze Kopitar for the Kings further tips the scales in Buffalo's favor in what is expected to be a tight contest.