Capitals vs Sabres predictions
Looking at the Washington Capitals, it's hard not to focus on the powerhouse that is Alex Ovechkin, even though he’s currently on injured reserve. With 19 goals to his name already this season, his absence might feel like a hurdle. Yet, the Capitals have shown time and again that they can adapt. With Ovechkin out, eyes turn to Dylan Strome, who’s been a consistent playmaker with 32 assists and leading the team with 44 points. Expect Strome to be pivotal in leading the charge against the Sabres. With a road record that boasts 13 wins, the Capitals seem poised to continue their strong performance on the ice.
Shifting gears to the Buffalo Sabres, it's a similar story with a different melody. Tage Thompson, much like Ovechkin, reigns as the top goal scorer with 18 strikes this season but is unfortunately on reserve with an injury. It's not ideal for Buffalo, especially given their home record of 7-10-3. When you add in Rasmus Dahlin being out, their playmaker from the blue line with 22 assists, the Sabres really have to dig deep. It’s a difficult situation, but sometimes the charm lies in the unpredictability. You never know who might step up to defy expectations when the chips are down.
Considering both sides, the Capitals appear to have the edge in this matchup, given their depth and performance up to now this season. With Buffalo facing challenges in their roster, and the Capitals already having a leg up in the season series, it's easy to see why Washington might be the favorites here. Sure, anything can happen in sports, and that’s part of what makes it exciting. But, if you’re looking for a safe bet here, you’d probably have your money riding on the Capitals cruising to a victory at KeyBank Center. What do you think — do the Sabres have some surprise magic up their sleeves?