Los Angeles Kings vs. Buffalo Sabres 2/13/24 – As two mid-table teams in the NHL’s Eastern and Western conferences square off, the Los Angeles Kings roll into Buffalo looking to continue their recent good form against the Sabres. With both teams hovering around the .500 mark on the season, this interconference showdown has major playoff implications. Utilizing the hockey latest picks, let’s break down the key points for this matchup.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Buffalo Sabres 2/13/24
When: Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET
Where: KeyBank Center
TV: ESPN+
Stream: NHL.TV
Los Angeles Kings vs. Buffalo Sabres 2/13/24 Betting Odds:
| Team | PUCKLINE | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kings | -1.5 +180 | o6 -115 | -144 |  |
| Sabres | +1.5 -210 | u6 -101 | +128 | |
| ||||
Checking in from Buffalo 📍 pic.twitter.com/6z2GvhcaVI
— LA Kings (@LAKings) February 12, 2024
Goaltender Cam Talbot vs. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Veteran netminder Cam Talbot has been a rock between the pipes for the Kings this season, boasting a sparkling .911 save percentage through 32 starts. His experience and composure under pressure will be vital in this matchup, as Talbot has shown an ability to steal games for LA even when they have been outplayed. He swallows up dangerous scoring chances with ease and never gets rattled after giving up a bad goal. Talbot’s penalty kill save percentage of .893 is among the league’s best, which will come in handy against a Sabres power play that converts over 20% of their man advantage opportunities.
Meanwhile, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has broken out as Buffalo’s goalie of the future in his first full NHL season. Through 30 starts, the 23-year-old Finn owns a .909 save percentage and has given the Sabres a chance to win every night. Luukkonen possesses lightning-quick reflexes, an active glove hand, and the ability to stretch out his frame to take away tough angles. He has also shown mental toughness by bouncing back well after subpar starts, a sign of his maturity. Luukkonen does have a tendency to over-commit laterally on cross-ice passes and can get beat upstairs when he goes down too early.
Kings Bring Balanced Attack vs. Porous Sabres Defense
Led by the dynamic duo of Anze Kopitar and Kevin Fiala up front, the Kings roll four lines deep capable of lighting the lamp. Kopitar is tied for the team lead with 17 goals along with Adrian Kempe, while Fiala paces the squad with 27 assists. Their puck possession prowess perfectly complements LA’s team defensive structure. The Sabres have struggled to keep pucks out of their own net this season, surrendering 3.22 goals per game. Their lack of defensive structure has often left Luukkonen out to dry.
Red-Hot Sabres Forwards Test Stingy Kings Defense
While the Sabres have had no answers defensively, their offense ranks among the NHL’s best. Powered by a resurgent season from center Casey Mittelstadt and breakout efforts from d-man Rasmus Dahlin and winger Alex Tuch, Buffalo loads up on premium talent. Mittelstadt has taken a massive step forward as the Sabres’ top center, while Dahlin quartersbacks the power play with precision passing. Tuch uses his big frame to wreak havoc down low. They’ll challenge a Kings defense that has allowed just 2.79 goals per game in 2023-24.
NHL Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
With both teams possessing firepower but differing defensive capabilities, Los Angeles Kings seem to be the favorite. With the Kings rolling behind Talbot, they offer solid value in the betting era. The over also feels achievable given both attacks.
Trends
Los Angeles Kings Betting Trends
Kings are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
LA Kings are 1-4 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Kings are 13-12 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Kings’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 11 of Kings’ 24 last games at home.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Trends
Sabres are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
Buffalo Sabres are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Sabres are 16-9 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Sabres’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 8 of Sabres’ 26 last games at home.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Buffalo Sabres 2/13/24 Betting Picks
The Kings offer the more appealing side entering this interconference battle. Talbot gives LA a sizable advantage in net while their balanced scoring attack should find room to operate against Buffalo’s porous defense. The trends also favor the visitors, making the Kings our pick on this matchup. We also recommend playing the over, anticipating an up-and-down track meet between two talented offensive groups. Buffalo will make some noise, but the Kings stay hot and snag a 4-3 road victory. Bettors should look for value in top sports betting options, as the dynamic nature of this game could present lucrative opportunities.
Score Prediction: Kings 3, Sabres 2.
