Welcome back to another 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. Our featured game of this edition is the Minnesota Wild taking on the Buffalo Sabres. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Minnesota Wild vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Wild 0-1 Sabres
US TV: Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; MSG Buffalo; NHL Network
Time: 12:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with our first and featured game between the Minnesota Wild and the Buffalo Sabres. Minnesota is expected to give Filip Gustavsson the start in this game but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Wild are 4-3-3 in their previous 10 games, including three straight losses prior to this matinee matchup. Minnesota will be without Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy for this game. Kirill Kaprizov leads the way in assists (27) and points (52).
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the probable starter for a Sabres team that is 8-2 in the last 10 games. Buffalo also has 15 victories in their last 17 games entering this game with Minnesota. The Sabres have the longest Stanley Cup Playoff drought in the league but are working hard to turn things around. Tage Thompson leads the club in goals (25), assists (24), and points (49).
Buffalo sports fans may have something else on their minds. However, the day should start off good with a win.
Prediction: Sabres win 4-2.