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Winnipeg Jets vs. Buffalo Sabres: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 5, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 5, 2024 7:32 PM
The Buffalo Sabres, fresh off a strong performance from Tage Thompson's 2-goal outing, look to build momentum as they host the Winnipeg Jets at the KeyBank Center on Thursday, December 5th at 7:00 PM. The Jets, sitting atop the Central Division with an 18-8 record, pose a significant challenge for the Sabres, who aim to improve their 11-12-2 record. This matchup kicks off the regular season series between the two teams.
Winnipeg Jets vs Buffalo Sabres

Current Odds

WPG
BUF
Over
5.5
-117
Under
7.0
+128
WPG
-1.5
+250
BUF
+1.5
-215
WPG
ML
-135
BUF
ML
+125

Jets vs Sabres statistics

Stat Jets Sabres
Goals For per Game 3.65 3.00
Goals Against per Game 2.58 3.12
Shots per Game 29.0 28.5
Shots Against per Game 29.9 28.9
Power Play Goals 23 11
Power Play Goals Against 13 16
Short Handed Goals 3 3
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 214 245
Power Play Percentage 30.7 14.7
Penalty Kill Percentage 80.9 80.2

Buffalo Sabres recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/3/24 vs Colorado Avalanche L 5-4
11/30/24 @ New York Islanders L 3-0
11/29/24 vs Vancouver Canucks L 4-3 OT
11/27/24 vs Minnesota Wild L 1-0
11/23/24 @ San Jose Sharks W 4-2

Winnipeg Jets recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/3/24 vs St. Louis Blues L 4-1
12/1/24 @ Dallas Stars L 3-1
11/29/24 @ Vegas Golden Knights L 4-3
11/27/24 @ Los Angeles Kings L 4-1
11/25/24 @ Minnesota Wild W 4-1

Buffalo Sabres injuries

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

Winnipeg Jets injuries

  • Nikolaj Ehlers (LW): Injured Reserve
  • Dylan Samberg (D): Injured Reserve
  • Ville Heinola (D): Out
  • Logan Stanley (D): Injured Reserve
  • Jaret Anderson-Dolan (C): Injured Reserve

Jets vs Sabres game info

Type Info
Venue KeyBank Center
Location Buffalo, NY
Puck drop Thu 7:00 PM

Jets vs Sabres predictions

When the Winnipeg Jets hit the ice, all eyes might just be on Kyle Connor, whose knack for finding the back of the net has already racked up 13 goals this season. Given his hot streak, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him spearheading the Jets' attack, especially at crucial moments. Additionally, with Josh Morrissey leading the team in assists, his role in setting up crucial plays could very well make a significant difference in a game that hints at being a gripping contest. The synergy between Connor’s aggressive scoring and Morrissey’s strategic playmaking is something that could really set the pace against the Sabres.

On the flip side, the Buffalo Sabres have their own set of trump cards. Although Tage Thompson, their leading goal scorer with 13 goals, finds himself on Injured Reserve, Alex Tuch stands out as a crucial player, particularly in Thompson’s absence. With Tuch not just leading in assists but also playing a vital role as a top point-scorer for the Sabres, his presence on the ice, even as he's listed as day-to-day, could pivot the dynamics considerably. His ability to step up, especially under pressure, will be critical if the Sabres are to assert themselves strongly in this matchup.

Given the current situation of both teams and considering the player dynamics, the Jets might have the upper edge heading into the game. Their stronger overall record and road game performance suggest a robustness that could be difficult for the Sabres to disrupt, especially with the uncertainty surrounding key player Alex Tuch’s condition. While hockey always has room for surprises and upsets, placing a safe bet might see the Winnipeg Jets flying high after this confrontation, backed by their solid team play and offensive strength.

Buffalo Sabres

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Buffalo Sabres
players

Winnipeg Jets

No
Winnipeg Jets
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