Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, Picks & Odds | 06 Apr 2026

NHL Betting Preview: Lightning vs Sabres

The Tampa Bay Lightning square off against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center, with face-off scheduled for 19:00 on Monday, April 6.

There is a strong case that the Lightning will end up winning and that means betting the visitors on the Moneyline. You can get a value -114 that they overcome the Sabres.

Tampa Bay Lightning claimed a home victory in their previous game. A 3-1 triumph against Boston Bruins at Benchmark International Arena made it back-to-back wins. Darren Raddysh, Nikita Kucherov and Charles-Edouard D'Astous scored one goal each. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy was red hot in this one, making 21 saves (.955).

Buffalo Sabres have been defeated in back-to-back games. On the road, they recently suffered a 6-2 loss against Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. Rasmus Dahlin and Beck Malenstyn scored one goal apiece.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Sabres have claimed back-to-back victories over the Lightning. At Benchmark International Arena they won 6-2 before winning 8-7 at KeyBank Center. The previous 10 games featuring these teams have resulted in six Sabres victories.

Starting Goalies

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

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	22-9-3	2.5	.909	1
23/24	27-22-4	2.57	.910	5

7 wins, 1 loss and 2 overtime losses, averaging 4.0 goals from 30.0 shots on goal, with a 10.0% powerplay efficiency. The Lightning have been giving up 2.7 goals from 24.9 shots, averaging 5.2 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 92.3%.

Jake Guentzel is the top points scorer with 14 points, 7 goals and 7 assists, with Nikita Kucherov recording 14 points, 5 goals and 9 assists, in the past 10 games. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy have a 2.26 goal against average with a .904 save percentage.

The Sabres have 5 wins, 3 losses and 2 overtime losses, averaging 3.0 goals from 28.8 shots on goal, with a 16.2% powerplay efficiency. They have conceded 3.1 goals from 27.7 shots, averaging 4.0 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 82.5%.

The top points scorer is Rasmus Dahlin with 9 points, 5 goals and 4 assists, while Tage Thompson is next best after having 8 points, 4 goals and 4 assists. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have a 1.98 GAA with a .930 SV%, including one shutout.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction & Picks

Our expert Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres betting tips include a main match prediction, a correct score pick, standout player prop selections and bet builder advice. Explore each section below for detailed insights.

Game Prediction

The value wager could involve heading to the Moneyline where you can back Tampa Bay Lightning to win this NHL clash. Our pick is currently available at a generous -114.

Injuries can influence the outcome and our NHL handicappers factor that in alongside the latest form guide. We apply the same approach to the stats to build the clearest picture of how the game might unfold.

Key Lightning vs Sabres stats:

• Lightning have won 4 of their last 5 games.
• Lightning have won 7 of their last 10 games.
• Lightning have won 2 consecutive games.
• Sabres have lost 3 of their last 5 games.
• Sabres have lost their last 2 games.

Lightning Moneyline Probability

According to the top sportsbooks, our pick has a 53.2% chance of winning. However, our analysts have this figure closer to 60% based on their in-depth research. That means we’re regarding it as a value wager.

There are some value betting options beyond simply backing Tampa Bay to win, with Puck Line, Winning Margin and 3-Way Moneyline viable alternatives to get more juice.

Before placing your wager, discover the best bonus deals. Our guide highlights the most rewarding betting offers available.

Our Game Prediction

Lightning Moneyline @ -114 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 (Apr 5, 23:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Nikita Kucherov Over 0.5 Assists -208

Nikita Kucherov (Lightning) has made one assist or more in 5 straight road games. We’re happy to take him to cover the line at -208, with bettors able to land themselves an attractive price for this to happen.

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

Lightning 6 - 3 Sabres

You can secure odds of +2200 that the Lightning are able to land a 6-3 victory. Correct score betting can provide plenty of fun and it’s a way of landing bigger odds.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Lightning

Sabres

1-0

Lightning

+5000

Sabres

+5500

2-0

Lightning

+4500

Sabres

+5000

2-1

Lightning

+1400

Sabres

+1500

3-0

Lightning

+2900

Sabres

+3500

3-1

Lightning

+1700

Sabres

+1900

3-2

Lightning

+950

Sabres

+1000

4-0

Lightning

+4000

Sabres

+5000

4-1

Lightning

+1500

Sabres

+1600

4-2

Lightning

+1500

Sabres

+1600

4-3

Lightning

+1000

Sabres

+1050

5-0

Lightning

+6000

Sabres

+8000

5-1

Lightning

+2200

Sabres

+2400

5-2

Lightning

+1500

Sabres

+1500

5-3

Lightning

+2000

Sabres

+2200

5-4

Lightning

+1500

Sabres

+1500

6-0

Lightning

+11000

Sabres

+12000

6-1

Lightning

+5000

Sabres

+5500

6-2

Lightning

+2900

Sabres

+3000

6-3

Lightning

+2200

Sabres

+2500

6-4

Lightning

+4000

Sabres

+4500

6-5

Lightning

+3500

Sabres

+3500

7-1

Lightning

+9000

Sabres

+10000

7-2

Lightning

+6600

Sabres

+7000

7-3

Lightning

+5000

Sabres

+6000

7-4

Lightning

+5500

Sabres

+6000

7-5

Lightning

+9000

Sabres

+9000

7-6

Lightning

+9000

Sabres

+9000

8-2

Lightning

+12000

Sabres

+13000

8-3

Lightning

+12000

Sabres

+13000

8-4

Lightning

+10000

Sabres

+10000

8-5

Lightning

+12000

Sabres

+12000

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.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres 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.

When you consider the latest Moneyline odds, you can find Buffalo Sabres at -106 whereas Tampa Bay Lightning are -114. In the eyes of the leading sportsbooks, the home team are regarded as 52% likely to claim a victory.

The puck line is 1.5 and total goals is 6.5. There is no denying the popularity of wagering on Totals. If you’re going for Over 6.5, then the odds are -108.

Every National Hockey League matchup brings hundreds of team props and game lines to explore, with the top betting apps delivering a deep lineup of pre-game and in-game markets.

Moneyline

Lightning

-114

Sabres

-106

3-Way Moneyline

Lightning

+135

Tie

+310

Sabres

+160

Puck Line

Lightning -1.5

+186

Sabres +1.5

-263

Total Goals

Under 6.5

-112

Over 6.5

-108

There is regularly betting value to be found from wagering on the player and goalie props with the top gambling sites. You can find lots of ways to back for or against a specific player lining up for one of the two teams.

There are always opportunities to enjoy NHL micro betting. It’s generally the case that you will find team and player props in-game and bettors can use their insight to wager on outcomes such as the Next Goal or Next Goalscorer.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Tampa Bay Lightning Stats

Buffalo Sabres Stats

Moneyline

• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games
• 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 home games

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 6 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 4 of the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 7 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 9 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.70 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 8.50 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 6.5: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 8 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 4.00 goals and allowed 2.70 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 4.30 pts and allowed 4.20 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.20 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 6.80 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 5 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.10 goals and allowed 3.10 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.60 goals and allowed 3.20 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.5
• Shots: 30
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.3
• Penalties: 5.2
• Empty Net Goals: 0.5
• Penalty Minutes: 12.7
• Blocks: 17
• Faceoff Wins : 26.8
• Hits: 17.6
• Giveaways: 15.3
• Takeaways: 4

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.7
• Shots: 29.1
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
• Penalties: 4.6
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 13.5
• Blocks: 14.6
• Faceoff Wins : 28.5
• Hits: 21.1
• Giveaways: 15.6
• Takeaways: 4.3

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.6
• Shots: 28.8
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 4
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 10.7
• Blocks: 13.7
• Faceoff Wins : 27.7
• Hits: 20.1
• Giveaways: 13.7
• Takeaways: 4.3

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 1
• Shots: 30.7
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 5
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 14
• Blocks: 14.2
• Faceoff Wins : 27.5
• Hits: 22.8
• Giveaways: 15.4
• Takeaways: 5.3

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

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