{"id":407226,"date":"2026-01-14T13:38:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T13:38:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/407226\/"},"modified":"2026-01-14T13:38:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T13:38:11","slug":"jan-14th-philadelphia-flyers-vs-buffalo-sabres","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/407226\/","title":{"rendered":"Jan 14th Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions<\/a>. Each day, here at Last Word on Hockey, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games. For this edition, we take a closer look at the Philadelphia Flyers<\/a> taking on the Buffalo Sabres<\/a>.<\/p>\n

NHL Predictions January 14th Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres<\/p>\n

Season Series 2025-26: Philadelphia 1-1-0, Buffalo 1-1-0<\/p>\n

How to Watch:<\/a> TNT, truTV, HBO MAX, TVAS, SN+<\/p>\n

Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n

Location: KeyBank Arena in Buffalo, New York<\/p>\n

Flyers\u2019 Storylines<\/p>\n

It was a humbling weekend for the Flyers, who were out-scored by the Tampa Bay Lightning, 12-3, in a pair of games on home ice. It marked the first time the Flyers have lost back-to-back games in regulation since Nov. 1 and 2.<\/p>\n

The Flyers have only lost three games in a row once this season, a series of overtime losses in mid-December. They have yet to lose three straight games in regulation. It\u2019s been a key to remaining in the playoff race.<\/p>\n

The Flyers should have some reinforcements returning. Travis Konecny<\/a> was back in the lineup on Monday after missing Saturday\u2019s game. Bobby Brink<\/a> and Jamie Drysdale<\/a> could be in line to return after missing the last three games.<\/p>\n

Dan Vlader is expected to get the start for the Flyers. He\u2019s posted a 16-7-4 record this season with a 2.42 goals against average and a .907 save percentage.<\/p>\n

Head coach Rick Tocchet<\/a> met with the media following Tuesday\u2019s practice at @FlyersTCenter<\/a>. #LetsGoFlyers<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/BVPIjuixPR<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Sabres\u2019 Storylines<\/p>\n

Monday night marked a recent rarity for the Sabres. They lost.<\/p>\n

Buffalo\u2019s stunning turnaround, winning 13 of the previous 14 games going into Monday, has put them right back in the thick of the playoff hunt. They are currently enjoying a five-game homestand, where the Sabres have a 14-6-2 record this season.<\/p>\n

One of the main reasons for the turnaround has been the strong play of Tage Thompson<\/a>. Thompson has 10 goals and 20 points in his last 16 games, nearly half of his production for the season. Bowen Byram<\/a> has been outstanding as well, with 12 points in the last 10 games.<\/p>\n

Expect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen<\/a> to get the start tonight for the Sabres. Luukkonen has a record of 9-6-1 with a goals against average of 2.63 and a save percentage of .903 this season.<\/p>\n

Wait for it\u2026wait for it\u2026<\/p>\n

THERE IT IS pic.twitter.com\/EbahQCRnI4<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 11, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Prediction and Best Bets<\/p>\n

Prediction: Flyers 4, Sabres 3 (SO)<\/p>\n

The Sabres have been red hot since Dec. 9, a 13-2-0 stretch that included a win over the Flyers on Dec. 18. They have played with a desperation that has put them among the wildcard teams again. The Flyers should have that desperation as well, after two lacklustre games on home ice. Expect a close game that comes down to the wire, requiring a shootout to decide things.<\/p>\n

For best bets for the Flyers, take Noah Cates<\/a> for an anytime goal. Cates has six goals and 13 points in 13 career games against the Sabres, including two this season.<\/p>\n

For the Sabres, get in on Tage Thompson<\/a> for an anytime goal. Thompson has nine career goals against the Flyers.<\/p>\n

Main Photo: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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