Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey break down the slate using matchup context, recent form, and underlying data analytics to project likely outcomes. This edition of NHL Predictions focuses on two teams heading in opposite directions, being the Anaheim Ducks and the Buffalo Sabres. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions throughout the 2025\u201326 season.<\/p>\n
NHL Predictions Anaheim Ducks vs Buffalo Sabres<\/p>\n
2025\u201326 Season Series: First meeting<\/p>\n
How to Watch<\/a> \u2013 US TV: Victory+, MSG-B, KCOP-13, ESPN+ | Canada TV: SN+<\/p>\n Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST); 4:00 p.m. PT<\/p>\n Setting the Stage<\/p>\n The Anaheim Ducks enter Friday\u2019s matchup at 21\u201320\u20133 and still searching for a reset point. Anaheim\u2019s loss in Carolina extended its winless skid to eight games, and the margin for error continues to narrow. While the Ducks\u2019 underlying possession profile remains competitive, recent games have exposed familiar issues with puck management, high-danger defence, and finishing.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres arrive at 23\u201315\u20134 and playing some of their best hockey in years. Buffalo has won 12 of its past 13 games, combining pace, structure, and depth scoring into a consistently repeatable formula. With confidence high and home ice in their favour, the Sabres control the emotional and tactical edge.<\/p>\n Anaheim Ducks Storyline<\/p>\n At five-on-five, Anaheim<\/a> continues to do many things right. The Ducks sit above 52 percent in both Corsi and Fenwick, driven by controlled entries and aggressive weak-side activation from the blueline. However, those advantages have not translated into favourable results. Anaheim\u2019s finishing remains inconsistent, and defensive-zone turnovers continue to punish them against teams that transition quickly.<\/p>\n Furthermore, discipline and execution late in games remain pressure points. Anaheim has struggled to protect leads and has been forced into extended defensive sequences after failed clears. Lukas Dostal<\/a> is expected to start again, and while he has handled volume admirably, Anaheim\u2019s structure in front of him has not been reliable enough to absorb mistakes.<\/p>\n Anaheim goal!Scored by Ryan Poehling with 06:42 remaining in the 1st period.Assisted by Jackson LaCombe and Chris Kreider.Carolina: 0Anaheim: 1#ANAvsCAR #RaiseUp #FlyTogether<\/p>\n \u2014 NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-01-09T00:44:00.600543Z<\/a><\/p>\n Buffalo Sabres Storyline<\/p>\n Buffalo<\/a>\u2019s surge is supported by both results and process. The Sabres are driving play at a top-half rate while converting at a much higher clip than earlier in the season. Their offence comes in layers, with Tage Thompson<\/a>, Alex Tuch<\/a>, Josh Doan<\/a>, and Ryan McLeod<\/a> all contributing without the lineup becoming overly top-heavy.<\/p>\n Defensively, Buffalo has tightened its neutral-zone gaps and limited second-chance opportunities. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen<\/a> is the likely starter and has provided steady goaltending during this run. When Buffalo establishes forecheck pressure early, they force opponents into rushed decisions, a profile that directly challenges Anaheim\u2019s current weaknesses.<\/p>\n Short-handed goal for Buffalo!Scored by Mattias Samuelsson with 05:22 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Ryan McLeod.New York: 2Buffalo: 4#BUFvsNYR #NYR #SabreHood<\/p>\n \u2014 NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-01-09T02:48:38.051985Z<\/a><\/p>\n The Prediction Model<\/p>\n The blended model simulates this matchup 10,000 times using four evenly weighted inputs. The in-house model gives Buffalo a 60 percent edge, driven by recent form and finishing efficiency. HockeyStats<\/a> is slightly stronger on the Sabres at 63 percent, projecting a 3.8\u20132.9 scoring environment. MoneyPuck<\/a> aligns closely, favouring Buffalo at 59.9 percent.<\/p>\n After blending all inputs, Buffalo lands at 61.0 percent, with fair odds around \u2212156. Anaheim checks in at 39.0 percent, with fair odds near +156. Market pricing has remained consistent with Buffalo as a moderate home favourite.<\/p>\n NHL Prediction<\/p>\n Buffalo is playing with clarity and confidence, while Anaheim is still searching for structure under pressure. The Ducks can carry play in stretches, but Buffalo\u2019s ability to capitalize on turnovers and defend the middle of the ice tilts this matchup.<\/p>\n If Anaheim cannot simplify its exits and stay out of extended defensive sequences, Buffalo should gradually dictate the game state.<\/p>\n Prediction: Sabres win 4\u20132 (Model Probability: 61.0%)<\/p>\n 2025\u201326 Season Prediction Record: 10\u20138<\/p>\n Prop Bets of the Night<\/p>\n