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Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 14, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 14, 2024 8:09 PM
The Washington Capitals, riding a strong 20-6-2 record, look to extend their dominance as they host the Buffalo Sabres at Capital One Arena on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Coming off a 2-goal performance from Protas, the Capitals aim to capitalize on their 8-4-2 home record against the struggling Sabres, who have a 5-5-1 road record. Expect an intense matchup between these NHL foes.
Buffalo Sabres vs Washington Capitals

Current Odds

BUF
WSH
Over
6.5
+106
Under
6.5
-105
BUF
+1.5
-155
WSH
-1.5
+325
BUF
ML
+163
WSH
ML
-152

Sabres vs Capitals statistics

Stat Sabres Capitals
Goals For per Game 2.97 3.96
Goals Against per Game 3.24 2.68
Shots per Game 28.2 29.3
Shots Against per Game 29.0 27.8
Power Play Goals 12 18
Power Play Goals Against 18 15
Short Handed Goals 3 3
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 300 252
Power Play Percentage 14.1 20.9
Penalty Kill Percentage 80.6 83.5

Washington Capitals recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/12/24 @ Columbus Blue Jackets W 2-1 OT
12/7/24 @ Montreal Canadiens W 4-2
12/6/24 @ Toronto Maple Leafs W 3-1
12/3/24 vs San Jose Sharks L 2-1 OT
11/30/24 @ New Jersey Devils W 6-5

Buffalo Sabres recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/11/24 vs New York Rangers L 3-2
12/9/24 vs Detroit Red Wings L 6-5 SO
12/7/24 vs Utah Hockey Club L 5-2
12/5/24 vs Winnipeg Jets L 3-2 OT
12/3/24 vs Colorado Avalanche L 5-4

Washington Capitals injuries

  • Tom Wilson (RW): Day-To-Day
  • Alex Ovechkin (LW): Injured Reserve
  • Brandon Duhaime (RW): Out
  • Lars Eller (C): Day-To-Day
  • Jakob Chychrun (D): Injured Reserve

Buffalo Sabres injuries

  • Rasmus Dahlin (D): Injured Reserve
  • Jordan Greenway (LW): Day-To-Day
  • Mattias Samuelsson (D): Injured Reserve
  • Sam Lafferty (C): Injured Reserve
  • Tage Thompson (RW): Injured Reserve

Sabres vs Capitals game info

Type Info
Venue Capital One Arena
Location Washington, DC
Puck drop Sat 7:00 PM

Sabres vs Capitals predictions

As the Buffalo Sabres gear up to face the Washington Capitals, all eyes might be on the substitute players stepping in for the injured stars. With Tage Thompson on the injured reserve, the pressure ramps up for players like Alex Tuch—if he’s fit to play amidst his day-to-day status—to carry the torch. Tuch, leading with 24 points this season, has shown he can be a linchpin for the team's offense. Given his knack for assists, his playmaking could be critical in cracking the Capitals' defense, especially if he's looking to add more goals to his tally in Thompson’s absence.

On the flip side, the Washington Capitals have some solid performers who could make a big impact. Dylan Strome, with an impressive 36 points, including 27 assists, has been a crucial playmaker for the Capitals. His vision on the ice and ability to set up goals could pose a real challenge for the Sabres’ defense. Meanwhile, Connor McMichael, the team’s top goal scorer, will likely be hungry to add to his tally, especially after a strong showing from his teammate, Aliaksei Protas, in the last game. The chemistry on the ice between these two could be something the Sabres need to watch closely.

Considering both teams' current trajectories and the standout performers, the game promises to be a tight contest. However, the Washington Capitals, with their stronger record and the home-ice advantage at the Capital One Arena, might have the upper edge. They've shown resilience and strategic depth this season, traits that might just tilt the scale in their favor when they host the Sabres. What do you think, could there be an upset on the cards, or will the Capitals continue their solid run?

Washington Capitals

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Washington Capitals
players

Buffalo Sabres

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Buffalo Sabres
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