Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the slate of 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 features an interconference matchup as the red hot Buffalo Sabres visit the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. With both teams firmly in Stanley Cup Playoff position, this game serves as a measuring stick late in the season. Don\u2019t forget to check out more NHL Predictions as we continue tracking the 2025\u201326 race.<\/p>\n
NHL Predictions: Buffalo Sabres vs Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n
2025\u201326 Season Series: Buffalo leads 1\u20130<\/p>\n
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) | 5:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)<\/p>\n
How to Watch<\/a> \u2013 US TV: ESPN+, KTTV, Victory+, MSG-B | Canada TV: SN+<\/p>\n Location: Honda Center, Anaheim<\/p>\n Setting the Stage<\/p>\n Buffalo<\/a> enters at 44-20-6, while Anaheim<\/a> sits at 38\u201327\u20134 and now holds first place in the Pacific Division. Importantly, both teams are effectively playoff locks, but seeding still matters, particularly for Anaheim as it looks to protect its divisional lead.<\/p>\n Credit Image: \u00a9 Alex Cave\/ZUMA Press Wire<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Ducks come in off a 4\u20131 win over Utah, a game that reinforced their ability to close out structured opponents. However, Anaheim has still lost three of its last five, suggesting some volatility remains. On the other side, Buffalo arrives as one of the hottest teams in the league, going 9\u20131\u20130 in its last 10 games.<\/p>\n This matchup presents a subtle contrast. Buffalo owns the stronger resume, but Anaheim\u2019s recent underlying play and ability to find ways to win suggests this is closer to a toss-up than the standings imply.<\/p>\n Buffalo Sabres Storyline<\/p>\n Buffalo\u2019s strength lies in its balance. The Sabres average 3.45 goals per game while allowing just 2.90, combining efficient offence with reliable defensive structure. Furthermore, their penalty kill operates at 83.3 percent, providing a clear edge over Anaheim\u2019s special teams.<\/p>\n Rasmus Dahlin<\/a> continues to drive play from the backend, while Tage Thompson<\/a>, Alex Tuch<\/a>, and Jack Quinn<\/a> provide scoring depth across multiple lines. As a result, Buffalo does not rely on a single offensive driver, which makes them difficult to match up against.<\/p>\n However, their five-on-five underlying numbers are solid, rather than dominant. The Sabres hover around break-even in possession and expected goal share, meaning they rely on execution and finishing to separate themselves.<\/p>\n If Buffalo maintains its structure and wins special teams, it can control this game.<\/p>\n Buffalo goal!Scored by Sam Carrick with 10:19 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Rasmus Dahlin and Zach Benson.San Jose: 0Buffalo: 2#BUFvsSJS #TheFutureIsTeal #SabreHood<\/p>\n \u2014 NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-03-20T03:25:58.984358Z<\/a><\/p>\n Anaheim Ducks Storyline<\/p>\n Anaheim\u2019s season has evolved<\/a>. While the Ducks still allow 3.43 goals per game, their five-on-five profile has improved significantly, now sitting around break-even in expected goal share and shot metrics. That shift helps explain why they continue to outperform external projections.<\/p>\n Moreover, the Ducks are getting production from throughout the lineup. Cutter Gauthier<\/a> remains red hot, while Leo Carlsson<\/a> and Troy Terry<\/a> continue to drive top-line offence. Alex Killorn<\/a> is coming off a three-point performance, and newly acquired John Carlson<\/a> has begun to integrate into the lineup with his first point.<\/p>\n In net, Lukas Dostal<\/a> provides stability, particularly at home. However, Anaheim\u2019s penalty kill remains a weakness, and defensive lapses can still surface against structured teams.<\/p>\n However, it is a great time for our disclaimer. Please check social media prior to puck drop, to see definitely who gets the nod, before setting your fantasy roster for the day.<\/p>\n If Anaheim can generate off the rush and avoid extended defensive zone time, it has the tools to match Buffalo\u2019s depth.<\/p>\n Short-handed goal for Anaheim!Scored by Ryan Poehling with 06:23 remaining in the 1st period.Assisted by Alex Killorn and Pavel Mintyukov.Utah: 1Anaheim: 1#ANAvsUTA #UtahHC #FlyTogether<\/p>\n \u2014 NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-03-21T02:45:01.231634Z<\/a><\/p>\n The Model<\/p>\n The blended model reflects a tight matchup. The in-house model weighs five-on-five expected goal differential, special teams impact, projected goaltending, and game context. The internal model gives Anaheim roughly a 51\u201352 percent win probability. MoneyPuck<\/a> aligns at 51.6 percent in favour of the Ducks, while HockeyStats<\/a> leans the other direction with Buffalo at 53 percent and a projected goal split of 3.4 to 3.2. After adjusting for market vig from the -130 line, Anaheim still sits slightly ahead but within a narrow margin.<\/p>\n This is effectively a coin-flip game with a modest home-ice lean.<\/p>\n NHL Prediction<\/p>\n This game comes down to style. Buffalo prefers a controlled, structured approach, leveraging special teams and balanced scoring. Anaheim, meanwhile, thrives in higher-event sequences, using speed and finishing talent to create offence.<\/p>\n However, Anaheim\u2019s recent five-on-five improvement changes the equation. The Ducks are no longer purely opportunistic. They are now capable of matching territorial play, particularly at home.<\/p>\n Given the slight model lean, home ice, and Anaheim\u2019s continued ability to convert chances at a high rate, the edge tilts narrowly toward the Ducks.<\/p>\n Prediction: Ducks win 4\u20133 (Model Probability: ~52%)<\/p>\n 2025\u201326 Season Prediction Record: 14\u201314<\/p>\n Prop Bets of the Night<\/p>\n This matchup points toward primary offensive drivers rather than secondary volume. First, Leo Carlsson to record a point (-160) fits his role on Anaheim\u2019s top line and power play. Carlsson continues to produce consistently and benefits from favourable offensive deployment.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Rasmus Dahlin to record a point (-165) aligns with Buffalo\u2019s offensive structure. Dahlin drives transition and power play usage, making him one of the most reliable point contributors on the Sabres.<\/p>\n Together, these props reflect a competitive, high-skill matchup where top-end players on both sides are likely to be involved.<\/p>\n 2025\u201326 Season Betting Record: 32\u201327 (+7.48 units)<\/p>\n Projected lineups and starting goaltenders are based on available information at the time of writing. Please check official team sources prior to placing any wagers.<\/p>\n Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/p>\n Main Photo: Ryan Sun-Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions. 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