I’m taking Over 6.5 in Sabres-Blackhawks because Buffalo’s road offense meets Chicago’s poor defending.
Buffalo averaged 3.63 goals in its first 8 road games, fifth in the NHL through Tuesday. Chicago’s 4.22 goals allowed per game ranked second-most entering Wednesday.
Their Oct. 3 meeting finished 4-3 Buffalo, with all 7 goals at even strength. I’m looking for Buffalo to do most of the scoring again, with Chicago getting chances from the Sabres’ mistakes.
Buffalo allowed repeated odd-man rushes in Wednesday’s 8-3 loss to Tampa Bay. Yanni Gourde scored on a 2-on-1 after a Buffalo offensive-zone turnover. Nikita Kucherov later broke away with the Sabres’ defensemen caught up ice.