- Matchup: Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins
- Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
- Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
- Broadcast: TNT
- Betting Odds: Sabres (-110), Bruins (-110)
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In a thrilling Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, the Boston Bruins (45-27-10) will face off against the Buffalo Sabres (50-23-9) this Thursday at TD Garden. The series is currently tied 1-1. The moneyline is set at -110 for both Buffalo and Boston, with a total at 6.5 goals.
After a tough Game 2, where the Sabres fell 4-2, Buffalo struggled offensively. They managed to score only 2 goals from 36 shots, and despite 5 opportunities on the power play, they failed to capitalize. The Sabres also accumulated a total of 47 penalty minutes during the game.
This season, the Sabres’ opponents have been granted 232 power play chances (ranking 19th in the league), with 42 goals scored during these situations. Defensively, Buffalo has faced 2,381 shots, achieving a save percentage of .899. Their offensive output includes 2,307 shots with a shooting percentage of 12.3%. At even strength, Buffalo has conceded 198 goals while scoring 235. On the power play, they have secured 48 goals from 246 opportunities, equating to a success rate of 19.51%. With a total of 109 points this season and a points percentage of .665, the Sabres have found the net 283 times, placing them 5th in the league while allowing 240 goals.
The Sabres will have Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in net. Throughout his career, Luukkonen has amassed 102 quality starts and boasts a quality start percentage of .551. With a save percentage of .900 over 8,299 minutes on the ice, he has faced 5,368 shot attempts and made 4,830 saves. Across his NHL career, Luukkonen has allowed 538 goals, giving him an average of 2.91 goals against per game. His record stands at 93-74-18 across 190 games.
The Bruins were impressive in Game 2, netting 4 goals from 26 shots. They capitalized on 1 out of 5 power play opportunities.
This season, the Boston Bruins have recorded 268 goals, amassing 100 points with a points percentage of .610. They have allowed a total of 247 goals, which includes 183 at even strength and 64 while shorthanded. Boston boasts 213 goals scored at even strength and ranks 10th in pro hockey with 55 power-play goals from 235 opportunities, translating to a 23.40% power play success rate. With 2,216 shots attempted (21st in pro hockey) and a shooting percentage of 12.09%, they have allowed 2,435 shots against them. Their penalty kill rate stands at 76.98% against 278 power play opportunities.
In goal for Boston, you can expect Jeremy Swayman. He has given up an average of 2.60 goals per game, allowing a total of 617 goals. His quality start rate is an impressive 62.4%, having recorded 148 quality starts in his career. Swayman has started in 237 games, logging 10,205 minutes on the ice. His career record currently stands at 132-80-26, with 245 games played. He has made 6,208 saves from 6,825 shots faced, resulting in a save percentage of .910.
Who will come out on top in tonight’s NHL battle against the spread or moneyline?
Pick: Opt for Buffalo (-110)
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