The Buffalo Sabres (17-22-5) host the Pittsburgh Penguins (18-20-8), who have fallen in three straight, on Friday, January 17 at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+.

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Before this matchup, here's who we predict to emerge victorious in Friday's hockey game.

Over the past 10 games for the Penguins, their offense has put up 25 goals while their defense has allowed 33 (they have a 2-5-3 record in those games). In 31 power-play opportunities during that time, they have scored nine goals (29.0% conversion rate).

Sabres vs. Penguins Predictions for Friday

Our computer projections model for this encounter calls for a final tally of Sabres 4, Penguins 3.

Moneyline Pick: Sabres (-132)
Total Pick: No Pick - Predicted Margin Negligible
Spread Pick: Penguins (+1.5)

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Sabres Splits and Trends

The Sabres have a 17-22-5 record overall, with a 4-5-9 record in games that have gone to overtime.
Buffalo is 3-5-4 (10 points) in its 12 games decided by one goal.
In the eight games this season the Sabres registered only one goal, they've finished 1-7-0 (two points).
Buffalo has taken three points from the nine games this season when it scored a pair of goals (1-7-1 record).
The Sabres have scored at least three goals in 25 games (15-6-4, 34 points).
In the 16 games when Buffalo has scored a lone power-play goal, it has a 7-8-1 record (15 points).
In the 14 games this season in which it has outshot its opponent, Buffalo is 5-8-1 (11 points).
The Sabres' opponents have had more shots in 30 games. The Sabres went 12-14-4 in those contests (28 points).

Penguins Splits and Trends

The Penguins have an 18-20-8 record this season and are 6-8-14 in contests that have gone to overtime.
Pittsburgh has earned 20 points (8-1-4) in its 13 games that finished with a one-goal margin.
This season the Penguins scored only one goal in five games and they lost every time.
When Pittsburgh has scored exactly two goals this season, they've earned eight points (2-7-4 record).
The Penguins have scored three or more goals 24 times, earning 36 points from those matchups (16-4-4).
This season, Pittsburgh has capitalized on a lone power-play goal in 18 games has a record of 5-9-4 in those matchups.
When outshooting its opponent this season, Pittsburgh is 9-5-3 (21 points).
The Penguins' opponents have had more shots in 26 games. The Penguins went 8-13-5 in those matchups (21 points).

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Team Stats Comparison

Adam Crowley