Buffalo Sabres vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction, Picks & Odds | 03 Feb 2026

NHL Betting Preview: Sabres vs Lightning

The Buffalo Sabres meet the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena, with face-off scheduled for 19:30 on Tuesday, February 3.

We can’t resist going for the Lightning on the 3-Way Moneyline. Our prediction is a confident one and there is -128 available that the home team beat the Sabres in 60 minutes.

Buffalo Sabres have triumphed in their previous five road games. The latest saw them beat Florida Panthers 5-3 at Amerant Bank Arena. Tage Thompson was on target along with four of his teammates. Goalie Alex Lyon had 38 saves (.927).

Tampa Bay Lightning last game was a 6-5 (SO) victory over Boston Bruins at Benchmark International Arena. That means it’s now been eight home wins on the spin. The goals were shared around between five players including Darren Raddysh.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The last encounter between the Lightning and the Sabres saw the former win. It was a 7-4 scoreline at Benchmark International Arena. The Sabres have won six of the previous 10 H2H meetings.

Starting Goalies

Colten Ellis (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	8-4-2	2.9	.903	1

Andrei Vasilevskiy (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	39-15-4	2.3	.911	2
23/24	30-20-2	2.9	.900	2

7 wins, 2 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 4.2 goals from 26.1 shots on goal, with a 17.5% powerplay efficiency. The Sabres have been giving up 2.7 goals from 31.5 shots, averaging 4.0 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 82.5%.

Rasmus Dahlin is the top points scorer with 14 points, 5 goals and 9 assists, with Tage Thompson racking up 13 points, 7 goals and 6 assists, in the past 10 games. Goalie Alex Lyon have a 2.02 goal against average with a .941 save percentage, including one shutout.

The Lightning have 8 wins, 1 loss and 1 overtime loss, averaging 3.3 goals from 31.2 shots on goal, with a 19.6% powerplay efficiency. They have conceded 2.1 goals from 24.8 shots, averaging 4.4 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 95.5%.

The top points scorer is Nikita Kucherov with 21 points, 6 goals and 15 assists, while Brandon Hagel is next best after having 13 points, 5 goals and 8 assists. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy have a 1.44 GAA with a .939 SV%, including one shutout.

Buffalo Sabres vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction & Picks

Prepare for Buffalo Sabres vs Tampa Bay Lightning with our expert betting guide featuring a trusted match prediction, likely scoreline, key player props and a well-crafted bet builder.

Game Prediction

The pick is that Tampa Bay Lightning will outscore their opponents in 60 minutes, with odds of -128 currently available that they win this NHL game. That looks a price worth taking on this value selection.

The handicappers at Sportsgambler.com stay on top of the latest injuries, while recent form also shapes our hockey picks. We combine this insight with up-to-date NHL stats for sharper predictions.

Key Sabres vs Lightning stats:

• Lightning have won 8 consecutive games at home.
• Lightning have won 17 of their last 20 games.

Lightning 3-Way Moneyline Probability

If you go by the best NHL sportsbooks, our pick has a 56.2% chance of landing a return. After careful examination, our analysts calculate this probability to be somewhere between 60-65%. The bet can be recommended for this precise reason.

We recommend going down the Bet Builder route if you want to bet on the 3-Way Moneyline and also throw in some other combinations until you’re happy with the overall odds.

Before you place your bets, explore our updated guide packed with the latest free bets and betting bonuses.

Our Game Prediction

Lightning 3-Way Moneyline @ -128 Bet Now

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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Feb 3, 00:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Jason Zucker Over 1.5 Shots -145

Jason Zucker (Sabres) has finished with Over 1.5 shots on goal in 5 straight games on the road. If you agree with our verdict that he can cover the line again, then you can land odds of -145 that this happens.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Sabres 2 - 3 Lightning

There are betting odds of +900 that the Lightning land a 3-2 victory. The correct score option is popular due to the potential return that can be achieved.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Sabres

Lightning

1-0

Sabres

+6600

Lightning

+6000

2-0

Sabres

+6000

Lightning

+5000

2-1

Sabres

+1800

Lightning

+1600

3-0

Sabres

+5000

Lightning

+2800

3-1

Sabres

+2500

Lightning

+1800

3-2

Sabres

+1050

Lightning

+900

4-0

Sabres

+6600

Lightning

+3000

4-1

Sabres

+2400

Lightning

+1200

4-2

Sabres

+2000

Lightning

+1400

4-3

Sabres

+1150

Lightning

+1000

5-0

Sabres

+12000

Lightning

+5000

5-1

Sabres

+4000

Lightning

+1800

5-2

Sabres

+2400

Lightning

+1200

5-3

Sabres

+2800

Lightning

+1900

5-4

Sabres

+2000

Lightning

+1800

6-0

Sabres

+2000

Lightning

+7000

6-1

Sabres

+10000

Lightning

+4000

6-2

Sabres

+5000

Lightning

+2000

6-3

Sabres

+4000

Lightning

+2000

6-4

Sabres

+5500

Lightning

+3500

6-5

Sabres

+5000

Lightning

+4000

7-0

Sabres

+5000

Lightning

+11000

7-1

Sabres

+5000

Lightning

+6000

7-2

Sabres

+12000

Lightning

+5000

7-3

Sabres

+8000

Lightning

+4000

7-4

Sabres

+7500

Lightning

+4500

7-5

Sabres

+11000

Lightning

+8000

7-6

Sabres

+11000

Lightning

+10000

8-1

Sabres

+11000

Lightning

+10000

8-2

Sabres

+11000

Lightning

+9000

8-3

Sabres

+11000

Lightning

+9000

8-4

Sabres

+14000

Lightning

+8000

8-5

Sabres

+14000

Lightning

+11000

9-2

Sabres

+14000

Lightning

+14000

9-3

Sabres

+14000

Lightning

+14000

View More

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Buffalo Sabres vs Tampa Bay Lightning Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

With an estimated 67% chance of winning, the sportsbooks are taking no chances with their -200 betting odds about Tampa Bay Lightning triumphing in this game. At +164, Buffalo Sabres are regarded as having a lower probability of winning.

The puck line is 1.5 and total goals is 6.5. Hockey bettors regularly enjoy the opportunity to wager on Totals. If you’re wanting to back Over 6.5, the odds are +104.

If you’re planning to wager on a National Hockey League matchup, visit the best sportsbooks and check out the hundreds of team props and game lines. Find the odds and betting lines which are the most attractive.

Moneyline

Sabres

+164

Lightning

-200

3-Way Moneyline

Sabres

+260

Tie

+340

Lightning

-119

Puck Line

Sabres +1.5

-147

Lightning -1.5

+120

Total Goals

Under 6.5

-128

Over 6.5

+104

The gambling sites also allow you to place player prop bets such as Goaltender Saves, Powerplay Points, Assists and Goals. This means you can focus on an individual player’s performance rather than wager on the actual outcome of the game in question.

Micro betting provides an interesting rollercoaster ride for NHL bettors. It can be great to enjoy the live lines, with the opportunity to wager on the Next Goal and Next Goalscorer. Watch the live action before deciding which way to go.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Buffalo Sabres Stats

Tampa Bay Lightning Stats

Moneyline

• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games
• 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 games
• 10 wins and 0 defeats in the last 10 home games

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 5 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 7 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.30 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 6.30 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 6.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.70 goals and allowed 2.60 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 4.00 pts and allowed 2.30 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.80 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 6.30 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 6.5: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 4.10 goals and allowed 2.70 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 4.30 goals and allowed 2.00 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.7
• Shots: 28.1
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 3.5
• Empty Net Goals: 0.5
• Penalty Minutes: 9.4
• Blocks: 13.4
• Faceoff Wins : 24.8
• Hits: 17.8
• Giveaways: 16.6
• Takeaways: 5.3

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.5
• Shots: 25.6
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
• Penalties: 3.1
• Empty Net Goals: 0.6
• Penalty Minutes: 6.7
• Blocks: 12
• Faceoff Wins : 22.8
• Hits: 18.7
• Giveaways: 17.1
• Takeaways: 5.8

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.9
• Shots: 32
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 4.7
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 16.2
• Blocks: 13.3
• Faceoff Wins : 29.3
• Hits: 20.3
• Giveaways: 16.1
• Takeaways: 4.2

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 1
• Shots: 29.7
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 5
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 17.6
• Blocks: 13.4
• Faceoff Wins : 26.7
• Hits: 19.6
• Giveaways: 14.7
• Takeaways: 4.1

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

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