Sabres vs Ducks Prediction & Odds - 2/26/2025

The Buffalo Sabres, riding high after winning five of their last six games including an impressive 8-2 victory over the New York Rangers, welcome the Anaheim Ducks to KeyBank Center for an intriguing cross-conference matchup on Tuesday night.

Buffalo's offensive prowess has been on full display lately, averaging 3.2 goals per game this season, while the Ducks arrive at the tail end of a challenging three-game East Coast road trip following a tough 5-4 overtime loss to Detroit.

The Sabres' recent home success, having won five straight at KeyBank Center, will be tested against an Anaheim team that's struggling on special teams, ranking 31st on the power play and 28th on the penalty kill.

Buffalo's red-hot goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who has won five of his last seven starts, could prove to be the difference-maker against a potentially fatigued Ducks squad playing their third game in four days.

The contrast in momentum couldn't be more apparent, with Buffalo finding their rhythm despite their position in the standings, while Anaheim looks to snap back from their first loss in five games.

This compelling matchup features the Sabres' Tage Thompson, who leads his team with 28 goals and 51 points, against the Ducks' balanced attack led by Frank Vatrano and Troy Terry.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Anaheim Ducks preview

The Buffalo Sabres are set to host the Anaheim Ducks at KeyBank Center in what promises to be an intriguing cross-conference matchup between two teams with contrasting recent fortunes.

The Sabres enter the contest riding high after an impressive 8-2 victory over the New York Rangers, having won five of their last six games and showing particular dominance on home ice with five straight wins.

Meanwhile, the Ducks arrive at the tail end of their three-game East Coast road trip, coming off a tough 5-4 overtime loss to Detroit that snapped their four-game winning streak.

Buffalo's offense has been clicking lately, averaging 3.2 goals per game (10th in the NHL), led by the dynamic Tage Thompson who tops the team with 28 goals and 51 points, while defenseman Rasmus Dahlin continues to impress with 36 assists.

The Ducks' offensive struggles are evident in their league-worst 2.5 goals per game, though Frank Vatrano (17 goals) and Troy Terry (41 points) have been bright spots in an otherwise challenging season.

Special teams could play a crucial role in this matchup, with Anaheim particularly vulnerable, ranking 31st on the power play (11.9%) and 28th on the penalty kill (73.6%).

The goaltending battle will likely feature Buffalo's Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who has been instrumental in the team's recent success, winning five of his last seven starts, against Anaheim's Lukas Dostal.

Fatigue could be a significant factor for the Ducks, playing their third game in four days, while the Sabres look to capitalize on their home-ice advantage and continue their recent offensive surge.

With Buffalo's momentum and Anaheim's road weariness, the Sabres appear poised to extend their winning streak in what could be a high-scoring affair, as indicated by the over hitting in five of Buffalo's last six games.