The Buffalo Sabres visit the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Our Sabres vs. Maple Leafs prediction is Over 6.5 goals, with both clubs sitting at 3-3-1 and neither side having settled its goaltending situation.
Buffalo has won three of its past four meetings against Toronto, but the Sabres arrive playing their fourth game in six nights. The Maple Leafs, by contrast, are opening a homestand after a three-game road trip, giving Toronto the fresher legs heading into puck drop.
As always, make sure you’re wagering with one of the best NHL betting sites before locking in any wagers.
Sabres vs. Maple Leafs Prediction
Over 6.5 goals
Neither goaltending tandem has provided much stability through the first two weeks of the season. Buffalo’s team save percentage sits in the .850 range, while Toronto has already surrendered five goals in a game to Utah this month. Both offences have shown they can score in bunches, and that should continue on Thursday night.
Rasmus Dahlin is doubtful due to injury and Toronto is already missing Chris Tanev on the back end, and with two key defenders likely to miss this contest, we like the over in a game that projects as track-meet hockey.
Sabres vs. Maple Leafs odds
| Sabres moneyline odds | +100 |
| Maple Leafs moneyline odds | -120 |
| Puck line odds | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+190), Sabres +1.5 (-230) |
| Game total | Over 6.5 goals (-125), Under 6.5 (+105) |
| Date/time | Oct. 15, 7 p.m. ET |
Probable starting goaltenders
Buffalo: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2-3, 3.46 GAA, .850 SV%)
Toronto: Sergei Bobrovsky (1-3, 2.97 GAA, .907 SV%)
Betting the Sabres
Tage Thompson has emerged as Buffalo’s top offensive threat with four goals through seven games, and Owen Power has chipped in six assists from the blue line. The concern remains health and fatigue: Dahlin is doubtful after taking a slap shot against Florida, and the Sabres are also without Jason Zucker and Alex Lyon. Buffalo’s penalty kill has been shaky at 61 per cent, and playing a fourth game in six nights against a rested opponent adds to the uphill climb.
Betting the Maple Leafs
Toronto’s offence has plenty of firepower, with Auston Matthews and William Nylander each sitting at five goals through seven games. Sergei Bobrovsky has posted better underlying numbers than Anthony Stolarz, at 2.97 GAA and .907 save percentage, which could tempt Toronto to lean on him if this one gets away from the Maple Leafs early. Injuries remain a factor on the back end, with Tanev expected to miss at least two more games, while Max Domi (back) and Dakota Joshua (abdominal) are also out.
Player prop trends
- Easton Cowan has recorded two or more shots on goal in four straight games. He’s around -140 to register over 1.5 shots on goal.
- Kirill Marchenko has recorded exactly one point in five straight games and six of his last seven. He’s -145 to extend that streak.
- Gavin McKenna is riding a four-game points streak into action Thursday and is +125 to extend that run.
- Auston Matthews has scored in four of his last five games and is +125 to light the lamp.
