Buffalo Sabres vs Washington Capitals Betting Picks

After a 14-year postseason drought, Buffalo could clinch a playoff spot today. But the Sabers are so much better than that. They have arguably been the NHL’s best team for nearly four months. They are tied with Tampa Bay for the second-most points in the Eastern Conference with 100. Aided by getting 53 goals from defensemen, the second most in the NHL, the well-rounded Sabers rank seventh in scoring and are 11th defensively. Alex Lyon is projected to start in the net for Buffalo. He is 10-0-1 with a .926 save percentage in his last 11 road games. The Capitals haven't been nearly as consistent as Buffalo and are three points out of a wild-card spot as a result. Washington's three-game winning streak came to a crashing halt with a 7-3 road loss to the Devils two days ago. The Capitals' slipping defense has allowed an average of 4.7 goals per game over their last four games. Take the Sabers.

It's the second of a back-to-back road spot for Washington, after losing 4-1 at Philadelphia last night as a favorite. The offense is 26th on the power play and 18th in shooting percentage, while the defense is 11th in goals allowed (2.94 per game) and ninth in save percentage (.902). They've dropped four of five, scoring a total of 13 goals. Washington is on an 8-2 run UNDER the total. Buffalo is 16th on the power play, while the defense is fourth in penalty killing and fifth in save percentage (.906). The Sabres have won eight in a row, allowing an average of 2.5 goals per game. Buffalo is on a 9-7 run UNDER. Take Washington/Buffalo UNDER the total. 

Washington won the first meeting this season 4-2 on Dec. 14, winning 12 of the past 18 against the Sabres. The Capitals come off a 7-4 win over the New York Rangers on Saturday when Alex Ovechkin scored his 872nd goal to move within 22 of Wayne Gretzky's NHL record. Ovechkin has four goals in five games since returning from a 16-game absence due to a broken left leg. Logan Thompson made 28 saves for Washington, which has won 12 of 14 against Eastern Conference teams. Buffalo has lost eight of nine home games, 16 of 19 overall, and 10 of 11 versus the Eastern Conference. The Sabres have lost nine of 11 playing on two days rest, and they are on a three-game skid. Take the Capitals.