New Jersey Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 3/24/2023

by Chuck Sommers

Friday, Mar 24, 2023
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Venue: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
Where to watch: MSG-B, MSG

Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks


DraftKings: Devils -170, Sabres +145
BetMGM: Devils -170, Sabres +145
Caesars: Devils -170, Sabres +145

Season record
Devils: 45-18-8
Sabres: 33-31-6

The All-Star break is over, the second half of the NHL season can officially begin, and we're bound for what should be a very exciting second half of the hockey season. Basketball and hockey are about to rule the roost in the sports betting world once the Super Bowl is done with, and we should all be very excited for what's to come. When the trade deadline hits and players switch teams, you know things are about to get hectic over these final 30 games or so. One way you can stay tuned with the action is following what our champion handicappers are doing in the world of the NHL. Look at ASA, Inc., reeling in a $6,750 profit off a 17-9-0 run. Al McMordie is also doing well on the ice with a 13-5-0 run and a net profit of $6,050. Scott Rickenbach has also been hanging strong with a lot of betting action, in what's been an unusual year, with a 24-18-0 run and reeling in $5,950. You know this action is going to be great now that games are back and a busy second half if on the horizon. All you need to do is head to our BEST BETS page at bigal.com to find out all of what we're trying to tell you. Make sure you're locked in at bigal.com and go to our Best Bets page to find out what our champion handicappers have to say in the world of the NHL!

Devils - Sabres preview, prediction and analysis


The New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres are set to clash in a highly anticipated matchup on March 24, 2023. The game will take place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, and both teams will be looking to secure a win in what is shaping up to be a crucial contest.

The Devils come into the game with a record of 45-18-8, currently sitting in second in the Metro. Despite their inconsistent form this season, the Devils have shown flashes of brilliance and have some talented players on their roster. One player to watch out for is Jack Hughes, who has been one of the best players for the Devils this season.

The Sabres, on the other hand, have stumbled down the stretch and are eight points back of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second wild card spot with 12 games to play (but two games in hand on Pittsburgh). However, they have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, winning six of their last ten games. One player who has been in impressive form is Rasmus Dahlin, who has been one of the best defensemen in the league this season.

The game between the Devils and Sabres promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with plenty of young talent. Both teams have struggled at times this season, but this game could be an opportunity for either team to gain some momentum as they head towards the end of the regular season.

One of the key matchups to watch out for will be between Hughes and Dahlin. Hughes is a highly skilled forward who has the ability to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. Dahlin, on the other hand, is a dynamic defenseman who is strong in both the offensive and defensive zones. The battle between these two young stars will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.

Another key matchup will be between Devils goaltender Vitek Vanecek and Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Vanecek has been solid in net for the Devils this season, with a save percentage of .908 and a goals against average of 2.77. Luukkonen, on the other hand, has been impressive in his debut season for the Sabres, with a save percentage of .920 and a goals against average of 2.68. The game could come down to which goaltender can make the most saves and keep their team in the game.

The game between the Devils and Sabres promises to be an exciting matchup between two young and talented teams. With playoff hopes fading for both teams, this game could be an opportunity to build momentum and finish the season strong. Fans from both teams will be eagerly watching to see which team comes out on top in this crucial contest.

In conclusion, the game between the Devils and Sabres on March 24, 2023, promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams with plenty of young talent. With both teams struggling at times this season, this game could be an opportunity for either team to gain some momentum heading towards the end of the regular season. Fans from both teams will be eagerly watching to see which team comes out on top in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Prediction

If the Sabres can't start stealing games, this season may be over. Devils 4, Sabres 3

Projected lines

Devils:

Timo Meier -- Nico Hischier -- Jesper Bratt

Erik Haula -- Jack Hughes -- Dawson Mercer

Ondrej Palat -- Jesper Boqvist -- Tomas Tatar

Nolan Foote -- Michael McLeod -- Yegor Sharangovich

Jonas Siegenthaler -- Dougie Hamilton

Ryan Graves -- John Marino

Kevin Bahl -- Damon Severson

Vitek Vanecek

Sabres:

Jeff Skinner -- Tage Thompson -- Alex Tuch

JJ Peterka -- Dylan Cozens -- Jack Quinn

Casey Mittelstadt -- Tyson Jost -- Victor Olofsson

Zemgus Girgensons -- Peyton Krebs -- Kyle Okposo

Rasmus Dahlin -- Kale Clague

Owen Power -- Henri Jokiharju

Riley Stillman -- Ilya Lyubushkin

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Don't miss our champion handicappers' free picks and expert hockey picks today. And if you enjoyed this preview, be sure to drop by every day for our daily NHL projections and previews.

Chuck Sommers

About the Author:

Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

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