Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
Both the Buffalo Sabres and Winnipeg Jets have entered a rough patch, each suffering four consecutive losses. The only difference is that the Sabres managed to pick up a draw in regulation time. This match promises to be an uncompromising affair, as both sides will be playing strategically to achieve a result.
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres' instability this season can be seen at the individual player level. Notably, the team's second-leading scorer, J.J. Peterka (8+9), only just ended an eight-game goalless drought where he accrued a mere two points. With key forwards either injured or out of form, the Sabres have no one to pick up the slack. They have just one scorer with double-digit goals — Tage Thompson (13+7).
Winnipeg Jets
For perhaps the first time this season, the Jets appear to be a team with very human vulnerabilities. They have lost five of their last six games, scoring only 10 goals in that stretch. Collectively, Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers, Nino Niederreiter, and Gabriel Vilardi have scraped together just three goals. Given the Jets' low xGF% productivity at even strength (47.7%), a downturn like this was bound to happen sooner or later.
Buffalo Sabres vs Winnipeg Jets Prediction
Even in challenging times, the teams' goaltenders — Connor Hellebuyck and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen — maintain a solid level, saving over 90.6% of shots faced. The scoring troubles are primarily in the offence. Thus, it's easy to envision a low-scoring scenario where the teams focus more on preserving their lead than increasing it.
