The Tampa Bay Lightning (35-14-4) host the Buffalo Sabres (32-18-5) at Benchmark International Arena on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with both teams back in action after a win. The Lightning are coming off a 6-5 shootout victory over the Boston Bruins, while the Sabres defeated the Florida Panthers 5-3 in their last outing.

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Before this matchup, here’s who we expect to secure the win in Tuesday’s hockey game.

During the past 10 games for the Sabres, their offense has put up 42 goals while their defense has given up 26 (they have a 7-2-1 record in those games). In 26 power-play opportunities during that span, they have capitalized with seven goals (26.9% success rate).

Lightning vs. Sabres Predictions for Tuesday

Our computer projections model for this game expects a final tally of Lightning 4, Sabres 2.

Moneyline Pick: Lightning (-228)
Total Pick: Under 6.5 (computer predicts 6.2 goals on average)
Spread Pick: Lightning (-1.5)

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Lightning Splits and Trends

The Lightning have a 35-14-4 record overall, with an 8-4-12 record in games that have required overtime.
In the 16 games Tampa Bay has played that were decided by one goal, it has a 7-7-2 record (good for 16 points).
The five times this season the Lightning finished a game with only one goal, they went 2-2-1 (five points).
Tampa Bay has finished 4-5-3 in the 12 games this season when it scored exactly two goals (registering 11 points).
The Lightning are 29-5-0 in the 34 games when they have scored three or more goals (to record 58 points).
In the 16 games when Tampa Bay has capitalized on a single power-play goal, it has a 10-4-2 record (22 points).
In the 29 games this season in which it has outshot its opponent, Tampa Bay is 17-9-3 (37 points).
The Lightning have been outshot by opponents in 23 games, going 17-5-1 to register 35 points.
Sabres Splits and Trends

The Sabres have a 6-5-11 record in overtime contests this season and a 32-18-5 overall record.
In the 11 games Buffalo has played that were decided by one goal, it racked up 13 points.
This season the Sabres registered only one goal in six games and they finished 0-5-1 in those matchups.
When Buffalo has scored a pair of goals this season, they’ve earned four points (2-6-0 record).
The Sabres have scored more than two goals in 38 games, earning 64 points from those contests.
This season, Buffalo has scored a lone power-play goal in 19 games and registered 27 points with a record of 12-4-3.
When outshooting its opponent this season, Buffalo is 10-8-2 (22 points).
The Sabres have been outshot by opponents 35 times this season, and earned 47 points in those games.

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Team Stats Comparison

Lightning vs. Sabres Game Time and TV Channel

When: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+
Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
Where: Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida

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