Washington Capitals

Ice Hockey NHL KeyBank Center Sat 1 Nov 18:00

Buffalo Sabres

  1. Prediction
  2. SGP Picks
  3. Correct Score
  4. Odds
  5. Team Stats
  6. Player Stats
  7. Player Props
  8. Team News
  9. Lineups
  10. Injuries
  11. Roster
  12. Standings

NHL Betting Preview: Capitals vs Sabres

The Washington Capitals face the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center, with face-off scheduled for 18:00 on Saturday, November 1. Our betting preview features expert NHL predictions, betting tips, the latest odds, H2H stats, player stats, team news and the starting lineups.

Bet Against Goals

We’re expecting the Capitals and the Sabres to score a modest number of goals and that leads us to an Under 6.5 prediction. Let’s grab the -132 that this outcome happens.

Agree with our Totals call? Get up to speed with our comprehensive BetMGM review, then grab the latest promo code to make the most of your wager.

Sabres 8-5 Winners in Most Recent H2H

Washington Capitals suffered a third consecutive defeat when losing 3-1 in their previous game. This was at home to New York Islanders at Capital One Arena. Caps racked up 23 shots and Tom Wilson bagged the only goal.

Buffalo Sabres have suffered defeat in their last three games. Most recently, a 4-3 (OT) scoreline occurred on the road at TD Garden against Boston Bruins. Rasmus Dahlin, Alex Tuch and Josh Doan each scored one goal.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Sabres have won the last two meetings against the Caps. They triumphed 4-3 (SO) at KeyBank Center and then 8-5 at Capital One Arena. The Sabres have triumphed in six of the previous 10 clashes between these teams.

Starting Goalies

Charlie Lindgren (Confirmed)
Season W-L-OTL: GAA: SV%: SO:
24/25 5-3-1 2.9 .893 1
23/24 25-16-7 2.67 .911 6
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Confirmed)
Season W-L-OTL: GAA: SV%: SO:
24/25 4-5-1 2.9 .884 0
23/24 27-22-4 2.57 .910 5
Washington Capitals – Last 10 Games

6 wins and 4 losses, averaging 2.7 goals from 27.8 shots on goal, with a 17.1% powerplay efficiency. The Caps have been giving up 2.2 goals from 25.8 shots, averaging 3.8 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 79.0%.

Tom Wilson is the top points scorer with 11 points, 5 goals and 6 assists, with Dylan Strome recording 10 points, 2 goals and 8 assists, over the last 10 games. Goalie Logan Thompson have a 1.43 goal against average with a .939 save percentage.

Buffalo Sabres – Last 10 Games

The Sabres have 4 wins, 3 losses and 3 overtime losses, averaging 3.3 goals from 30.5 shots on goal, with a 18.6% powerplay efficiency. They have been conceding 3.1 goals from 31.7 shots, averaging 4.8 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 91.7%.

The top points scorer is Alex Tuch with 11 points, 4 goals and 7 assists, while Tage Thompson is next best after having 9 points, 4 goals and 5 assists. Goalie Alex Lyon have a 2.89 GAA with a .912 SV%, including one shutout.

Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction & Picks

Be fully equipped for Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres with our betting guide, offering a key match prediction, a correct score recommendation, top player prop picks and a bet builder tailored for value.

Game Prediction

There could be a shortage of goals in this NHL encounter. Therefore, going under the line makes lots of appeal, especially at odds of -132.

We’re always on top of team news and when combined with recent form, it helps us uncover the best value. Our NHL handicappers also take a data-led approach, using key stats to back every pick.

Key Capitals vs Sabres stats:

  • The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in the last 4 Capitals games on the road.
  • The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 8 of the last 10 Capitals games.
  • The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 15 of the last 20 Capitals games.
  • The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 6 of the last 10 Sabres games at home.
  • The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 11 of the last 20 Sabres games.

Under 6.5 Probability

Based on the latest odds from the top NHL sportsbooks, our pick carries a 56.8% chance of winning. After careful examination, our cappers calculate this probability to be somewhere between 60-65%. The wager can be recommended for this precise reason.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

Bettors in search of a larger potential return on their Total wager can look to go under a different number of goals. This is achieved by moving the line until you’re happy with the odds.

Get the most from your next wager. Check our expert guide filled with the best free bets and top bonus offers.

Our Game Prediction
Under 6.5 Goals @ -132 Bet Now BetMGM logo
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Gamble responsibly 18+. All odds are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change. To use the Bookmaker Live Streaming services you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Geo-restrictions apply.
Published 00:43, 01 November 2025

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Alex Ovechkin Under 3.5 Shots -145 BetMGM logo

Alex Ovechkin (Capitals) has fallen short of the 3.5 shots on goal total in 10 of the past 10 games. We’re expecting the same thing to happen here, with this Shots on Goal bet available at -145.

Same Game Parlay Picks

Totals Under 6.5
To Score Tom Wilson
Shots on Goal Alex Ovechkin Under 3.5

We’ve compiled a same game parlay that includes Under 6.5 goals followed by Tom Wilson (Capitals) scoring and Alex Ovechkin (Capitals) to have Over 3.5 shots.

There are lots of options when you place a same game parlay. You can go through the available hockey lines and props and identify your favorite outcomes before combining the odds on the bet slip. Personalised wagering doesn’t come any better.

T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+

Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres Odds

The odds and lines are updated on a frequent basis. You might therefore find that they are different to the ones listed for the above betting predictions.

Books Anticipating a Tight Affair

When you consider the latest Moneyline odds, you can find Buffalo Sabres at -118 whereas Washington Capitals are -102. The hosts have a 54% chance of victory in the eyes of the most popular sportsbooks.

The puck line is 1.5 and the total goals line is 6.5. A wager on Totals allows bettors to use the latest data to good effect. If you want to wager Over 6.5, there are odds of -104.

The good news is that you can access hundreds of team props and game lines for every National Hockey League matchup. The best sportsbooks have a huge range of pre-game and in-game betting options.

Player Props & Micro Betting

As an alternative to the game lines, check out the player prop bets that are available. It’s especially great if you have a view when it comes to Blocked Shots, Goaltender Saves or Shutouts while there are lots of other options.

Micro betting is something that’s really popular with bettors, with NHL fans essentially being able to bet in-game when it comes to team and player props. Sometimes these are lines where you can wager on Shots or Goals.

Best Betting Offers
Team Stats

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Washington Capitals logo Washington Capitals Stats
Buffalo Sabres logo Buffalo Sabres Stats
Moneyline
  • 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
Moneyline
  • 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 home games
Puck Line
Puck Line
Total Goals
Total Goals
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team News
# Player GP MIN G A P +/-
43 Tom Wilson 11 19.95 6 6 12 3
17 Dylan Strome 9 16.23 2 8 10 5
21 Alexei Protas 11 18.75 4 5 9 4
# Player GP MIN G A P +/-
89 Alex Tuch 11 19.07 4 7 11 4
9 Zach Benson 8 19.04 0 8 9 3
26 Rasmus Dahlin 11 24.53 1 8 9 -8

Injuries & Suspensions

Washington Capitals Injury Table

Type
Name
Info
Rasmus Sandin
Injured
Ethen Frank
Injured
Pierre-Luc Dubois
Injured

Buffalo Sabres Injury Table

Type
Name
Info
Josh Norris
Injured
Justin Danforth
Injured
Tyson Kozak
Injured
Zach Benson
Injured

Starting Lineups

Buffalo Sabres logo Buffalo Sabres

Washington Capitals logo Washington Capitals

1
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
23
Mattias Samuelsson
26
Rasmus Dahlin
17
Jason Zucker
20
Jiri Kulich
72
Tage Thompson
9
Ryan Leonard
24
Connor McMichael
8
Alexander Ovechkin
74
John Carlson
42
Martin Fehervary
79
Charlie Lindgren

Buffalo Sabres logo Buffalo Sabres

Washington Capitals logo Washington Capitals

1
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
25
Owen Power
21
Conor Timmins
91
Josh Doan
71
Ryan McLeod
89
Alex Tuch
43
Tom Wilson
17
Dylan Strome
21
Alexei Protas
3
Matt Roy
6
Jakob Chychrun
79
Charlie Lindgren

Buffalo Sabres logo Buffalo Sabres

Washington Capitals logo Washington Capitals

1
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
4
Bowen Byram
8
Michael Kesselring
63
Isak Rosen
12
Jordan Greenway
22
Jack Quinn
15
Sonny Milano
29
Hendrix Lapierre
72
Anthony Beauvillier
57
Trevor van Riemsdyk
47
Declan Chisholm
79
Charlie Lindgren

Buffalo Sabres logo Buffalo Sabres

Washington Capitals logo Washington Capitals

1
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
19
Peyton Krebs
44
Josh Dunne
29
Beck Malenstyn
34
Justin Sourdif
26
Nic Dowd
22
Brandon Duhaime
79
Charlie Lindgren

Previous Washington Capitals Lineups

31 Oct NHL
Islanders 3-1 Capitals
28 Oct NHL
Capitals 0-1 Stars
25 Oct NHL
Senators 7-1 Capitals
24 Oct NHL
Capitals 5-1 Blue Jackets
21 Oct NHL
Kraken 1-4 Capitals
19 Oct NHL
Canucks 4-3 Capitals
17 Oct NHL
Wild 1-5 Capitals
14 Oct NHL
Lightning 2-3 Capitals
12 Oct NHL
Capitals 1-0 Rangers
11 Oct NHL
Capitals 4-2 Islanders

Previous Buffalo Sabres Lineups

30 Oct NHL
Sabres 3-4 Bruins
28 Oct NHL
Blue Jackets 4-3 Sabres
25 Oct NHL
Sabres 3-4 Maple Leafs
24 Oct NHL
Maple Leafs 3-5 Sabres
22 Oct NHL
Red Wings 2-4 Sabres
20 Oct NHL
Sabres 2-4 Canadiens
18 Oct NHL
Panthers 0-3 Sabres
15 Oct NHL
Senators 4-8 Sabres
13 Oct NHL
Avalanche 3-1 Sabres
11 Oct NHL
Sabres 1-3 Bruins
NHL Standings Select Season
Metropolitan GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Carolina 32 21 9 2 44 0.688 13 17 108 90 18 11-5-1 10-4-1 4-1 7-3 4W
2 NY Islanders 33 19 11 3 41 0.621 13 16 100 93 7 10-6-2 9-5-1 3-3 6-4 3W
3 Washington 32 18 10 4 40 0.625 17 18 106 83 23 10-5-2 8-5-2 0-4 7-3 2L
4 Philadelphia 31 16 9 6 38 0.613 9 11 92 88 4 10-5-4 6-4-2 5-2 5-5 3L
5 Pittsburgh 31 14 8 9 37 0.597 13 14 99 96 3 6-5-5 8-3-4 0-5 4-6 5L
6 New Jersey 33 18 14 1 37 0.561 12 16 97 103 -6 10-6-1 8-8-0 2-0 3-7 1L
7 NY Rangers 34 16 14 4 36 0.529 11 15 89 92 -3 4-9-3 12-5-1 1-0 5-5 1L
8 Columbus 32 13 13 6 32 0.5 7 9 96 112 -16 6-5-3 7-8-3 4-1 2-8 5L
East Atlantic GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Tampa Bay 33 18 12 3 39 0.591 15 18 106 88 18 8-8-0 10-4-3 0-1 4-6 2L
2 Detroit 33 18 12 3 39 0.591 14 16 104 109 -5 9-6-1 9-6-2 2-2 5-5 1W
3 Montreal 32 17 11 4 38 0.594 10 15 105 113 -8 8-8-1 9-3-3 2-2 5-5 1W
4 Boston 33 19 14 0 38 0.576 13 17 109 105 4 11-5-0 8-9-0 2-0 6-4 1L
5 Florida 32 17 13 2 36 0.563 15 16 103 101 2 10-6-2 7-7-0 1-1 5-5 2W
6 Ottawa 32 15 13 4 34 0.531 10 12 101 104 -3 6-6-2 9-7-2 3-0 4-6 1W
7 Toronto 31 14 12 5 33 0.532 10 14 102 102 0 9-5-5 5-7-0 0-1 5-5 2L
8 Buffalo 32 14 14 4 32 0.5 10 12 98 109 -11 9-5-2 5-9-2 2-0 5-5 3W
East Central GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Colorado 32 23 2 7 53 0.828 21 23 128 74 54 13-0-2 10-2-5 0-4 7-3 2W
2 Dallas 34 22 7 5 49 0.721 18 19 115 90 25 11-5-1 11-2-4 3-2 7-3 1W
3 Minnesota 33 19 9 5 43 0.652 13 16 99 87 12 11-3-4 8-6-1 3-1 7-3 4W
4 Utah 34 16 15 3 35 0.515 12 16 106 101 5 8-5-1 8-10-2 0-0 4-6 2W
5 Winnipeg 32 15 15 2 32 0.5 13 14 98 99 -1 8-7-1 7-8-1 1-1 3-7 1L
6 Chicago 32 13 13 6 32 0.5 12 13 91 98 -7 7-6-3 6-7-3 0-2 3-7 2L
7 St Louis 34 12 15 7 31 0.456 12 12 86 123 -37 6-8-4 6-7-3 0-2 5-5 1L
8 Nashville 32 13 15 4 30 0.469 9 11 92 111 -19 8-8-2 5-7-2 2-0 7-3 1W
West Pacific GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Vegas 31 16 6 9 41 0.661 12 15 96 90 6 7-4-4 9-2-5 1-3 6-4 2W
2 Anaheim 33 20 12 1 41 0.621 12 16 118 108 10 11-4-0 9-8-1 4-0 6-4 1W
3 LA Kings 32 14 9 9 37 0.578 9 13 84 86 -2 4-6-4 10-3-5 1-5 4-6 3L
4 Edmonton 33 15 12 6 36 0.545 10 15 110 114 -4 8-3-3 7-9-3 0-2 6-4 1L
5 San Jose 33 16 14 3 35 0.53 8 15 96 110 -14 9-5-3 7-9-0 1-1 5-5 2W
6 Seattle 30 12 12 6 30 0.5 7 12 74 93 -19 7-6-3 5-6-3 0-3 2-8 2L
7 Calgary 33 13 16 4 30 0.455 10 11 84 97 -13 7-5-2 6-11-2 2-2 6-4 1W
8 Vancouver 32 12 17 3 27 0.422 8 10 89 112 -23 4-10-1 8-7-2 2-0 3-7 1W
Eastern GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Carolina 32 21 9 2 44 0.688 13 17 108 90 18 11-5-1 10-4-1 4-1 7-3 4W
2 NY Islanders 33 19 11 3 41 0.621 13 16 100 93 7 10-6-2 9-5-1 3-3 6-4 3W
3 Washington 32 18 10 4 40 0.625 17 18 106 83 23 10-5-2 8-5-2 0-4 7-3 2L
4 Tampa Bay 33 18 12 3 39 0.591 15 18 106 88 18 8-8-0 10-4-3 0-1 4-6 2L
5 Detroit 33 18 12 3 39 0.591 14 16 104 109 -5 9-6-1 9-6-2 2-2 5-5 1W
6 Philadelphia 31 16 9 6 38 0.613 9 11 92 88 4 10-5-4 6-4-2 5-2 5-5 3L
7 Montreal 32 17 11 4 38 0.594 10 15 105 113 -8 8-8-1 9-3-3 2-2 5-5 1W
8 Boston 33 19 14 0 38 0.576 13 17 109 105 4 11-5-0 8-9-0 2-0 6-4 1L
9 Pittsburgh 31 14 8 9 37 0.597 13 14 99 96 3 6-5-5 8-3-4 0-5 4-6 5L
10 New Jersey 33 18 14 1 37 0.561 12 16 97 103 -6 10-6-1 8-8-0 2-0 3-7 1L
11 Florida 32 17 13 2 36 0.563 15 16 103 101 2 10-6-2 7-7-0 1-1 5-5 2W
12 NY Rangers 34 16 14 4 36 0.529 11 15 89 92 -3 4-9-3 12-5-1 1-0 5-5 1L
13 Ottawa 32 15 13 4 34 0.531 10 12 101 104 -3 6-6-2 9-7-2 3-0 4-6 1W
14 Toronto 31 14 12 5 33 0.532 10 14 102 102 0 9-5-5 5-7-0 0-1 5-5 2L
15 Buffalo 32 14 14 4 32 0.5 10 12 98 109 -11 9-5-2 5-9-2 2-0 5-5 3W
16 Columbus 32 13 13 6 32 0.5 7 9 96 112 -16 6-5-3 7-8-3 4-1 2-8 5L
Western GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Colorado 32 23 2 7 53 0.828 21 23 128 74 54 13-0-2 10-2-5 0-4 7-3 2W
2 Dallas 34 22 7 5 49 0.721 18 19 115 90 25 11-5-1 11-2-4 3-2 7-3 1W
3 Minnesota 33 19 9 5 43 0.652 13 16 99 87 12 11-3-4 8-6-1 3-1 7-3 4W
4 Vegas 31 16 6 9 41 0.661 12 15 96 90 6 7-4-4 9-2-5 1-3 6-4 2W
5 Anaheim 33 20 12 1 41 0.621 12 16 118 108 10 11-4-0 9-8-1 4-0 6-4 1W
6 LA Kings 32 14 9 9 37 0.578 9 13 84 86 -2 4-6-4 10-3-5 1-5 4-6 3L
7 Edmonton 33 15 12 6 36 0.545 10 15 110 114 -4 8-3-3 7-9-3 0-2 6-4 1L
8 San Jose 33 16 14 3 35 0.53 8 15 96 110 -14 9-5-3 7-9-0 1-1 5-5 2W
9 Utah 34 16 15 3 35 0.515 12 16 106 101 5 8-5-1 8-10-2 0-0 4-6 2W
10 Winnipeg 32 15 15 2 32 0.5 13 14 98 99 -1 8-7-1 7-8-1 1-1 3-7 1L
11 Chicago 32 13 13 6 32 0.5 12 13 91 98 -7 7-6-3 6-7-3 0-2 3-7 2L
12 St Louis 34 12 15 7 31 0.456 12 12 86 123 -37 6-8-4 6-7-3 0-2 5-5 1L
13 Seattle 30 12 12 6 30 0.5 7 12 74 93 -19 7-6-3 5-6-3 0-3 2-8 2L
14 Nashville 32 13 15 4 30 0.469 9 11 92 111 -19 8-8-2 5-7-2 2-0 7-3 1W
15 Calgary 33 13 16 4 30 0.455 10 11 84 97 -13 7-5-2 6-11-2 2-2 6-4 1W
16 Vancouver 32 12 17 3 27 0.422 8 10 89 112 -23 4-10-1 8-7-2 2-0 3-7 1W
GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Colorado 32 23 2 7 53 0.828 21 23 128 74 54 13-0-2 10-2-5 0-4 7-3 2W
2 Dallas 34 22 7 5 49 0.721 18 19 115 90 25 11-5-1 11-2-4 3-2 7-3 1W
3 Carolina 32 21 9 2 44 0.688 13 17 108 90 18 11-5-1 10-4-1 4-1 7-3 4W
4 Minnesota 33 19 9 5 43 0.652 13 16 99 87 12 11-3-4 8-6-1 3-1 7-3 4W
5 Vegas 31 16 6 9 41 0.661 12 15 96 90 6 7-4-4 9-2-5 1-3 6-4 2W
6 NY Islanders 33 19 11 3 41 0.621 13 16 100 93 7 10-6-2 9-5-1 3-3 6-4 3W
7 Anaheim 33 20 12 1 41 0.621 12 16 118 108 10 11-4-0 9-8-1 4-0 6-4 1W
8 Washington 32 18 10 4 40 0.625 17 18 106 83 23 10-5-2 8-5-2 0-4 7-3 2L
9 Tampa Bay 33 18 12 3 39 0.591 15 18 106 88 18 8-8-0 10-4-3 0-1 4-6 2L
10 Detroit 33 18 12 3 39 0.591 14 16 104 109 -5 9-6-1 9-6-2 2-2 5-5 1W
11 Philadelphia 31 16 9 6 38 0.613 9 11 92 88 4 10-5-4 6-4-2 5-2 5-5 3L
12 Montreal 32 17 11 4 38 0.594 10 15 105 113 -8 8-8-1 9-3-3 2-2 5-5 1W
13 Boston 33 19 14 0 38 0.576 13 17 109 105 4 11-5-0 8-9-0 2-0 6-4 1L
14 Pittsburgh 31 14 8 9 37 0.597 13 14 99 96 3 6-5-5 8-3-4 0-5 4-6 5L
15 LA Kings 32 14 9 9 37 0.578 9 13 84 86 -2 4-6-4 10-3-5 1-5 4-6 3L
16 New Jersey 33 18 14 1 37 0.561 12 16 97 103 -6 10-6-1 8-8-0 2-0 3-7 1L
17 Florida 32 17 13 2 36 0.563 15 16 103 101 2 10-6-2 7-7-0 1-1 5-5 2W
18 Edmonton 33 15 12 6 36 0.545 10 15 110 114 -4 8-3-3 7-9-3 0-2 6-4 1L
19 NY Rangers 34 16 14 4 36 0.529 11 15 89 92 -3 4-9-3 12-5-1 1-0 5-5 1L
20 San Jose 33 16 14 3 35 0.53 8 15 96 110 -14 9-5-3 7-9-0 1-1 5-5 2W
21 Utah 34 16 15 3 35 0.515 12 16 106 101 5 8-5-1 8-10-2 0-0 4-6 2W
22 Ottawa 32 15 13 4 34 0.531 10 12 101 104 -3 6-6-2 9-7-2 3-0 4-6 1W
23 Toronto 31 14 12 5 33 0.532 10 14 102 102 0 9-5-5 5-7-0 0-1 5-5 2L
24 Winnipeg 32 15 15 2 32 0.5 13 14 98 99 -1 8-7-1 7-8-1 1-1 3-7 1L
25 Chicago 32 13 13 6 32 0.5 12 13 91 98 -7 7-6-3 6-7-3 0-2 3-7 2L
26 Buffalo 32 14 14 4 32 0.5 10 12 98 109 -11 9-5-2 5-9-2 2-0 5-5 3W
27 Columbus 32 13 13 6 32 0.5 7 9 96 112 -16 6-5-3 7-8-3 4-1 2-8 5L
28 St Louis 34 12 15 7 31 0.456 12 12 86 123 -37 6-8-4 6-7-3 0-2 5-5 1L
29 Seattle 30 12 12 6 30 0.5 7 12 74 93 -19 7-6-3 5-6-3 0-3 2-8 2L
30 Nashville 32 13 15 4 30 0.469 9 11 92 111 -19 8-8-2 5-7-2 2-0 7-3 1W
31 Calgary 33 13 16 4 30 0.455 10 11 84 97 -13 7-5-2 6-11-2 2-2 6-4 1W
32 Vancouver 32 12 17 3 27 0.422 8 10 89 112 -23 4-10-1 8-7-2 2-0 3-7 1W