Game Preview Calgary Flames @ Buffalo Sabres
The Calgary Flames head east to face the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on Monday, December 8, 2025, in a cross-conference clash. Both teams enter the contest looking to build midseason momentum as they navigate inconsistent starts to their respective campaigns.
Calgary has bounced back from a slow October and now finds itself back in the playoff discussion out West. Led by a restructured top six and a goaltending platoon that’s improved since November, the Flames have become a tougher out in recent weeks.
Buffalo, meanwhile, is trying to find traction in a loaded Atlantic Division. The Sabres have offensive talent and home-ice energy, but defensive lapses and shaky special teams have put them in a difficult spot just past the quarter mark of the season.
This game offers betting value on both sides, especially with goaltending matchups and special teams efficiency likely to influence totals and props. For full updates on public betting splits and line moves, visit the latest NHL scores and odds.
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Odds and Key Information Table
CategoryDetailsMatchupCalgary Flames @ Buffalo SabresDate and TimeMonday, December 8, 2025 – 7:00 PM ETLocationKeyBank Center, Buffalo, NYOpening LineFlames -110, Sabres -110Over/Under6.5 goalsCalgary Record13-12-3Buffalo Record12-13-2TV CoverageESPN+, SNWLast MeetingMarch 2025 – Calgary 5, Buffalo 3
Calgary Flames Outlook
The Flames have slowly turned things around after a sluggish start to the season. Now sitting at 13-12-3, Calgary has won five of its last eight games, including road victories over Vancouver and Winnipeg. The team has benefited from improved goaltending as both Jacob Markstrom and Dan Vladar have raised their save percentages over the last two weeks.
Offensively, Calgary continues to rely on Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau, though neither has produced at elite levels. Instead, the emergence of young contributors like Connor Zary and Adam Ruzicka has sparked recent scoring depth. Calgary’s power play remains a work in progress at 18.9 percent, but the penalty kill has been more effective, climbing to 82.1 percent.
Structurally, Calgary has committed more to a north-south style and simplified zone exits. That’s translated into better puck possession metrics and fewer turnovers in the defensive zone. The Flames are 6-5-2 on the road this season and have covered the puck line in three of their last four away games.
For more context on Calgary’s Western Conference standing, check the latest Pacific Division NHL forecast.
Buffalo Sabres Outlook
The Sabres continue to be one of the NHL’s most difficult teams to predict. At 12-13-2, they’ve been alternating wins and losses for two weeks, unable to string together sustained momentum. Buffalo still has one of the league’s youngest cores, and the inconsistency reflects growing pains.
Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin lead the charge offensively, with Alex Tuch and Dylan Cozens providing secondary scoring. The Sabres average 3.1 goals per game, but they’ve allowed 3.4—a troubling margin for bettors backing them ATS. Goaltending has been an issue, with Devon Levi posting a sub-.900 save percentage, forcing more starts from veteran Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
Buffalo’s penalty kill is among the league’s worst, operating at just 75.6 percent. The Sabres struggle to clear traffic in front of the net and often concede second-chance opportunities. Despite that, Buffalo has remained competitive at home, with a 7-5-1 record at KeyBank Center.
To explore Buffalo’s divisional context, visit the full Atlantic Division NHL predictions.
Key Matchup
The performance of Calgary’s second line against Buffalo’s bottom-six forward group could decide this matchup. While neither team has a top-tier first line compared to league averages, the Flames have recently generated more scoring depth from middle-six contributors like Andrew Mangiapane and Blake Coleman.
Buffalo’s third defensive pair has been exposed by speed and cycle pressure, particularly when forced into extended defensive shifts. Calgary has built its recent success on board battles and offensive zone time. If the Flames can roll four lines and force Buffalo to play without the puck, the matchup leans toward Calgary.
This type of matchup breakdown is often missed in surface-level stats. For deeper edges like these, visit the NHL expert betting guide.
Betting Trends
Calgary is 4-2 in its last six games overall and 7-3 against the spread in its last ten matchups versus Eastern Conference opponents. The under has hit in six of Calgary’s last nine games, reflecting a tighter defensive approach on the road.
Buffalo is just 3-6 in its last nine home games against teams with winning records. The over has hit in five of their last seven due to defensive lapses and goaltending instability. Buffalo is also 2-4 in its last six Monday games.
Head-to-head, Calgary has won five of the last six meetings. The Flames have averaged 3.8 goals per game over that span, while the Sabres have averaged just 2.1. For more betting angles, explore the latest NHL picks and predictions.
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Prediction
This game is closely matched on the surface, but the underlying numbers point to Calgary having more two-way consistency. The Flames are trending in the right direction with goaltending and forechecking pressure, while Buffalo’s penalty kill and defensive structure remain major liabilities.
Unless the Sabres get an above-average goaltending performance, it’s hard to see them controlling this game for a full 60 minutes. Calgary’s system and road form make them the sharper play.
Final score prediction: Calgary Flames 4, Buffalo Sabres 3
Best bet: Calgary ML (-110)
Secondary lean: Over 6.5 goals
Why You Need Expert Picks
Games like this often come down to narrow margins—one special teams breakdown or a late goalie pull can swing the total or puck line. That’s why having expert insight into trends, goaltender matchups, and line value is essential.
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