Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. This edition is the Las Vegas Golden Knights hosting the red hot Buffalo Sabres. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions
Buffalo Sabres vs Las Vegas Golden Knights
2025-2026 Head-to-Head: Buffalo 1-0 Las Vegas
How to Watch: MSG-B, SCRIPPS, ESPN+

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Cross Conference Rivalry

Vegas and Buffalo have enjoyed a bit of a new rivalry over the past few seasons. All stemming from the Jack Eichel Trade. Eichel forced his way out of Buffalo. Ever since then Sabres fans have filled Keybank Center to boo him when he comes to town. There have been some fun moments on both sides, like Peyton Krebs and Alex Tuch both scoring in a 3-1 win in Eichel’s first game back. Along with Eichel returning the favor with a hat trick the following year.

The two teams met on March 3rd, the first home game for Buffalo following the Olympics. Sabres forward Tage Thompson brought out Eichel and Noah Hanafin in a pregame celebration for winning gold in the olympics this year. The Sabres fans put their boos aside to congratulate Eichel for winning gold with Team USA in Milan. However, the boos were quick to return when he touched the puck during play.

Jason Zucker opens the scoring for the #Sabres off a fortuitous bounce in front of the Vegas net.

Just before that, the boo birds came back out for Jack Eichel, serenading the former captain in Buffalo. pic.twitter.com/i3Vpwx6nkO

— Brayton J. Wilson (@BraytonJWilson) March 4, 2026

The Atlantic Leading Sabres

The Sabres snatched first place in the Atlantic away from the Tampa Bay Lightning a week ago. Now sitting just second in the conference, Buffalo has their eyes set on first place in the conference. They’re 9-1 in their 10 games since returning from the Olympic break. The Sabres will look to continue their hot streak out towards the Western Conference for a four game trip through the Pacific.

(Credit Image: © Alex Cave/ZUMA Press Wire)

The Sabres now sit four points ahead of the Lightning with two more games played. As well as being just two points behind the Carolina Hurricanes for the lead in the conference. The Sabres are hot at the right time, and were not deterred by the olympic break in the slightest. Remarkable given they sat last in the conference in December with a 11-14-4 record. Since then, they’ve gone 30-6-2.

the sabres have lost two games in a row twice in the past three months. needed a magnifying glass for the warpath. 30-6-2. we roll onto the roadie. SEE YOU ALL ON THE WEST COAST. pic.twitter.com/EZRDJhBiKE

— Conor Hurley (@CHurls13) March 15, 2026

The Floundering Pacific

The Pacific Division, as a whole, makes no sense. No team has been able to completely stake their claim at the top of the division. And somehow they have six teams still in the mix. Anaheim is the only team to have more wins than losses over their last 10 games, going 6-4. Vegas is 4-6 in their last 10, and currently second in the Pacific with 76 points. That’s only good enough for 15th in the league in points, yet they find themselves with a six point gap to miss the playoffs.

Vegas’ problem relies in their backend. They allow over three goals per game on average, due to struggling defensive play, and very inconsistent goaltending. Vegas has used four goaltenders this season, all of which have a sub .900 save percentage. Akira Schmid took over the starting job from Adin Hill, and Schmid leads the team with a .893 save percentage. Vegas does have some momentum on their side, coming off of a 4-0 shutout win over the Blackhawks.

Final: Golden Knights 4, Blackhawks 0#VegasBorn rolls behind a 3-goal 1st and another solid outing from Adin Hill with his 1st shutout of the year. Back-to-back wins.

The wagon that is Buffalo in town Tuesday.

— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) March 15, 2026

Prediction

NHL Predictions likes the “warpath” the Sabres are currently on. The Sabre shave depth contributors from all around the lineup, and someone will step to the plate for the Sabres in this matchup. Expect an emotional game once again between these two opponents.

Prediction: Sabres 5, Vegas 3

Prop Bets of the Night

Always verify current lines and player status before betting or finalizing fantasy rosters.

Thompson will get his normal line mates back in this game. Thompson anytime goalscorer is a good option.

Eichel always seems to give an extra effort against his old team. Look for him to have a point against the team that drafted him second overall.