Nashville Predators at Buffalo Sabres

Feb 27, 2008 | By Adam McLean | Picks Articles Archive

The Buffalo Sabres just traded away any chances of being a serious competitor in the NHL after they traded away Brain Campbell for Steve Bernier. The Nashville Predators are ready to pounce on the weak Sabres team.

The Buffalo Sabres(2.10) host the Nashville Predators(2.75), at HSBC Arena, for some hard hitting NHL action. Betway.com currently has the Buffalo Sabres as 2.10 favorites over the Predators with the over/under set at 5.5. The Sabres won last time against the Preds 7-2 in Nashville. Get your free NHL Pick in now!

The Buffalo Sabres did little to bolster their lineup yesterday during the NHL trade deadline. They picked up Steve Bernier, from the S.J. Sharks, who has 13 goals so far. The Sabres have lost back to back games after their most recent 3-4 (SO) loss to the Philadelphia Flyers as 171-moneyline favs. Despite their losing ways they have averaged 3.20 GAG in their last five games while their power play is scoreless in two games. Overall their offense averages a 6^th ranked 3.0 GAG and their power play sits ranked 5^th. They are the 9^th ranked team at putting pucks on net. The top producer for the Sabres is Jason Pominville who has 57pts and Thomas Vanek is their top goal scorer with 26 goals. The Sabres are 16-10-4 at home and they sit in 4^th place in the Northeast Standings. They are 15-12-3 over/under at home.

On defense they’ve allowed 3.0 GAG in their last five games and their penalty kill has allowed one goal in eight kills. Overall they allow a12th ranked 2.7 GAG and their penalty kill sits ranked 11^th in the league. Their top defenseman is Derek Roy with a +11 rating. Goalie Ryan Miller has lost his last two starts and has allowed a combined eight goals. He’s 28-20-7 with a 2.72 GAA and a .915 SVPCT. Head to head the road team is favored 7-2-1 in the last ten.

The Nashville Predators have also suffered back to back losses, but with the new additions of forward Brandon Bochenski and veteran Jan Hlavac they should install some much needed toughness and offense. The Preds recently lost 3-6 to the Dallas Stars as underdogs. They’ve averaged 3.20 GAG in their last five games and their power play has scored four goals in their last two games. Their overall offense is good for a 8^th ranked 2.9 GAG and their power play sits ranked 24^th. Their go to guy is Jason Arnott with 59pts and Alexander Radulov is their top goal scorer with 24 goals. The Preds 12-14-4 away from home and they are in 2^nd place in the Central Standings. They are 13-15-2 over/under on the road.

On defense they’ve allowed 3.60 GAG in their last five games and their penalty kill has allowed one goal in nine games. Overall they give up a 17^th ranked 2.8 GAG and their penalty kill is currently the 4^th best in the league. Goalie Dan Ellis has two wins in his last three starts and is now 15-6-2 with a 2.43 GAA and a .917 SVPCT.

Nashville (32-24-3-5) at Buffalo (30-24-1-8)

Faceoff: Wed, Feb 27, 2008 7:00 PM ET

Line: Betway.com

Pick: Nashville 2.10

Bottom Line: The Predators helped out their team with some talented experienced players while the Sabres did little or nothing to help. The Preds are getting better goaltending than the Sabres have.. Get your free NHL Pick in now!

Nashville Predators at Buffalo Sabres

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