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Buffalo Sabres vs. Dallas Stars: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 31, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 31, 2024 6:30 PM
The Buffalo Sabres, riding their win streak, travel to the American Airlines Center to face off against the Dallas Stars on New Year's Eve. The Sabres look to extend their momentum against a strong Stars team that has dominated on home ice, where they hold a 13-5-1 record. In this inter-division matchup, the Sabres aim to build on their 1-0 series lead in the regular season series.
Buffalo Sabres vs Dallas Stars

Current Odds

BUF
DAL
Over
6.5
+110
Under
6.0
+100
BUF
+1.5
-135
DAL
-1.5
+120
BUF
ML
+186
DAL
ML
-200

Sabres vs Stars statistics

Stat Sabres Stars
Goals For per Game 3.05 3.17
Goals Against Average 3.32 2.54
Shots per Game 27.3 31.0
Shots Against per Game 28.9 26.4
Power Play Goals 17 18
Power Play Goals Against 26 15
Short Handed Goals 3 2
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 382 252
Power Play Percentage 16.0 15.4
Penalty Kill Percentage 78.0 84.7

Dallas Stars recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/29/24 @ Chicago Blackhawks W 5-1
12/27/24 vs Minnesota Wild L 3-2 OT
12/23/24 @ Utah Hockey Club W 3-2
12/20/24 vs New York Rangers L 3-1
12/18/24 vs Toronto Maple Leafs L 5-3

Buffalo Sabres recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/29/24 @ St. Louis Blues W 4-2
12/27/24 vs Chicago Blackhawks W 6-2
12/23/24 @ New York Islanders W 7-1
12/21/24 @ Boston Bruins L 3-1
12/20/24 vs Toronto Maple Leafs L 6-3

Dallas Stars injuries

  • Mason Marchment (LW): Out
  • Nils Lundkvist (D): Day-To-Day
  • Thomas Harley (D): Day-To-Day
  • Matt Dumba (D): Injured Reserve
  • Casey DeSmith (G): Day-To-Day

Buffalo Sabres injuries

  • Nicolas Aube-Kubel (RW): Day-To-Day
  • Rasmus Dahlin (D): Out
  • Ryan McLeod (C): Day-To-Day
  • Jordan Greenway (LW): Injured Reserve
  • Sam Lafferty (C): Injured Reserve

Sabres vs Stars game info

Type Info
Venue American Airlines Center
Location Dallas, TX
Puck drop Tue 8:00 PM

Sabres vs Stars predictions

Imagine the excitement in the air as the Buffalo Sabres prepare to take on the Dallas Stars, riding the momentum of a win streak into this matchup. With key players like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin unfortunately sidelined, the Sabres will need other team members to step up their game. The absence of Thompson, the team’s top scorer, leaves a significant gap. Players such as Alex Tuch and Jeff Skinner, with their skill and hustle, might be the ones to watch as they attempt to fill this void. The Sabres' focus on adaptability could be their secret weapon, especially when entering unfamiliar terrain at the American Airlines Center.

Transitioning to the Dallas Stars, we see a team poised to defend their home turf with vigor. Roope Hintz might be facing some uncertainty as he's listed day-to-day, but the Stars aren't lacking in firepower. Matt Duchene has been the steady presence the Stars have relied on, leading the team with 33 points. It wouldn't be surprising to see him driving the offensive plays, weaving through Sabres defense and making an impact with deft assists. The Stars' strong home record speaks volumes, and with players like Jason Robertson and Jamie Benn bolstering their lineup, expectations are set high for this Central Division contender.

Now, if you had to place a wager on who comes out on top, instincts might sway you towards the Dallas Stars. With their formidable home record and current odds favoring them, they seem to have the advantage. However, don’t count the Sabres out too quickly. Their recent form shows resilience, and surprises are always around the corner in the NHL. This game has the makings of a thrilling clash, with stakes high for both teams seeking to solidify their positions within their divisions. What do you think? Could this be the Sabres' chance to extend their streak, or will the Stars shine brightly at their home base?

Dallas Stars

Buffalo Sabres

No
Buffalo Sabres
players

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