The Buffalo Sabres visit Vancouver Saturday in the late game of the Hockey Night in Canada doubleheader.
Buffalo is 13-16-1 on the road this season but they’ve strung together a nice little 2-0-1 run in the first three stops of this five-game tour. A big part of that success can be attributed to Ryan Miller (21-17-5, 2.58 GAA, .915 SV), who has stopped 107 of 110 shots in wins at New York Rangers, Anaheim and San Jose.
All three goals against Miller came in a 3-2 overtime loss against the Rangers Feb. 25 before shutting out the Ducks and Sharks on back-to-back nights. It was the second time in Miller’s career posting shut outs on consecutive nights and the occasion included a home win over the punchless Blue Jackets (Dec. 3-10).
This might normally be a spot for Miller to rest but the Sabres are four points back of Winnipeg for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East and with a day to rest before facing the Jets to wrap up this road trip, look for coach Lindy Ruff to ride his hot hand.
Miller is 2-2 following a shutout this season and all four games stayed under the posted total.
Tonight marks the Sabres’ first stop in Vancouver since a 3-2 overtime loss in January, 2010 but it’s a return visit for Cody Hodgson, Alexander Sulzer and Christian Ehrhoff. Rogers Arena will be sure to offer all three a warm welcome while cheering on newcomers Zack Kassian, Sammy Pahlsson and defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani.
NHL odds favor the Canucks -200 on the moneyline and +145 on the puckline, but Vancouver has played to overtime 13 times in its past 22 games. Combine that stat with Miller’s recent form and it makes laying a goal and-a-half feel like a risky proposition.
The total at Pinnacle Sports sits at 5 Over (-135) and Vancouver’s only two home games to climb over five goals since Jan. 24 were a 6-2 blowout win over the Leafs and a 4-3 shootout loss to the Red Wings.
Buffalo’s played just one other road trip all season of this length and Miller’s five starts resulted in 1 over and 4 unders. He was confirmed as the starter Saturday at3 pmET and at plus money, the value play on this game lies with the under.
NHL Prop Betting Tip: Vancouver’s power play ranks third in the league and opponents are well aware of how potent the Daniel-Henrik-Kesler combo can be.
Try betting “Sabres to get first power play” at -115 (it’s 6-0 since Feb. 21)!
Check out all the updated NHL Odds from Pinnacle Sports