NHL Betting: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Buffalo Sabres on NBC (04/17/2021)

To be exact, it’s been a season from hell for the Buffalo Sabres. Expectations were high in the preseason. More than a few NHL insiders saw the Sabres as a playoff team. Instead, Buffalo is the worst team with the NHL betting odds. Following a sluggish initial month, the Penguins were written off as finished. Pittsburgh jumpstarted their season by hiring new management. Namely, president Brian Burke and general manager Ron Hextall renewed standards of excellence. Buffalo has nothing to lose and is playing out the string. Pittsburgh is dreaming of a Stanley Cup for 2021.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Buffalo Sabres NHL Betting Information

Date and Time:Saturday, April 17, 2021, 3 p.m. ET
Location:Key Bank Center, Buffalo, New York
Penguins at Sabres TV Coverage:NBC
Penguins vs. Sabres Odds at SBG Sportsbook
TeamSpreadTotalML
Penguins 6 (-110)-275
Sabres 6 (-110)+235
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Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres SBG Odds Overview

On this occasion, the Sabres have zero sportsbook appeal with the masses. Buffalo owns the worst record in hockey. And has long ago drowned gamblers in red ink. Pittsburgh is always a popular pick with causal bettors. And their improvement over the last couple of months enhances that. Of great concern is the Pittsburgh price. Puck line wagering may supplant the money line for Penguin backers.

Pittsburgh Penguins Team Overview

Pittsburgh has won three of their last four games. Five of their previous six cleared the total. As a result, the Pens are 27-13-2 with 22-18 over the total. NHL metrics show Pittsburgh 4th for goal scoring and 11th for the power play. Defensively the Penguins rank 15th for goals allowed and 24th for penalty killing. Fashion, the Penguins, are only two points out of first place in the East Division.

Since Brian Burke and Ron Hextall assumed management, the Penguins have shown greater focus. Pittsburgh’s actual ability will be tested in the playoffs. Of course, the current run is impressive. But doubts remain about Pittsburgh’s ability to make a Stanley Cup run. Burke himself voiced doubts as a media member before taking over.

Buffalo Sabres Team Overview

Late on, the Sabres have won four of their last seven games. Four of their previous five cleared the total. Buffalo is 10-25-6 with 20-19 over the total. Overall, the Sabres rank 29th for goals scored and 12th for the power play. Buffalo is 31st for goals against and 19th for penalty killing. Interim coach Don Granato is coaxing improved play out of Buffalo.

Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres Betting Trends

  • Pittsburgh has paid in seven of their last ten away games
  • Five of the Penguins previous six away games cleared the total
  • Buffalo has lost three of their last five home games
  • Four of the Sabres previous six home tilts went over the number
  • Pittsburgh has won five of their last six games against Buffalo
  • Only two of the previous six games in this series went under the total
  • The Penguins have won five out of their previous six at Buffalo
  • Only one of the previous four between these teams at Buffalo cleared the total

Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres SBG Free Picks

As mentioned earlier, Pittsburgh dominates Buffalo with the NHL lines. Subsequently, the Penguins bring a vastly more talented and deeper roster. Cause of the steep money line price, the puck line is the way to go here.

Penguins at Sabres SBG Best Bet: Pittsburgh Penguins Puck Line.