Pittsburgh vs Buffalo on 11/02 by blackwiseguy
3
FINAL
6
Game Over
o6½ -115
WIN
Won 4.35
Handicapper Analysis
0
The Penguins enter this game amidst a five-game losing streak, and on the second half of a back-to-back where they travelled following an overtime game. This losing streak is likely to continue against an up-and-coming Buffalo team.
Since it is the second half of a back-to-back, we can expect backup goaltender Casey DeSmith to start between the pipes for Pittsburgh. Over his last two starts against the Sabres, DeSmith is 0-1-1 with a .902 SV% and 2.91 GAA.
In front of DeSmith is a team that ranks 15th in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5v5. Additionally, it is dealing with the absence of star defenseman Kris Letang, who missed last night’s game due to an illness.
It is unclear whether he will be ready to go or not in Buffalo, but his absence would be a huge blow for an already average blue line. His absence was certainly felt in Tuesday’s game against the Boston Bruins as the Penguins surrendered six goals.
On the other side, the Sabres enter this contest in strong form following their dominating 8-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings Monday night. In fact, Buffalo has now won five of its last seven games as the team continues to improve under head coach Don Granato.
Because of previous seasons, critics continue to underestimate this up-and-coming club. However, Rasmus Dahlin has finally emerged as the star defenseman he was projected to be, Tage Thompson continues to score at a high clip despite doubters clamouring for regression, and the Sabres have a strong revolving cast of role players that help produce in all three zones to round out a solid hockey team.
At 5v5, Buffalo ranks inside the Top 9 in the league in both goals per 60 minutes (GF/60) and goals against per 60 minutes (GA/60). Backing up this team is the goaltending tandem of Eric Comrie and Craig Anderson.
It is unclear which guy will start in tonight’s matchup, but either is a good option as they both have looked relatively strong to start the year. These teams are trending in two very different directions, and while the Penguins will likely figure it out, I am not confident they will do so on the second half of a back-to-back following a night where they lost a dramatic overtime game.
Since it is the second half of a back-to-back, we can expect backup goaltender Casey DeSmith to start between the pipes for Pittsburgh. Over his last two starts against the Sabres, DeSmith is 0-1-1 with a .902 SV% and 2.91 GAA.
In front of DeSmith is a team that ranks 15th in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5v5. Additionally, it is dealing with the absence of star defenseman Kris Letang, who missed last night’s game due to an illness.
It is unclear whether he will be ready to go or not in Buffalo, but his absence would be a huge blow for an already average blue line. His absence was certainly felt in Tuesday’s game against the Boston Bruins as the Penguins surrendered six goals.
On the other side, the Sabres enter this contest in strong form following their dominating 8-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings Monday night. In fact, Buffalo has now won five of its last seven games as the team continues to improve under head coach Don Granato.
Because of previous seasons, critics continue to underestimate this up-and-coming club. However, Rasmus Dahlin has finally emerged as the star defenseman he was projected to be, Tage Thompson continues to score at a high clip despite doubters clamouring for regression, and the Sabres have a strong revolving cast of role players that help produce in all three zones to round out a solid hockey team.
At 5v5, Buffalo ranks inside the Top 9 in the league in both goals per 60 minutes (GF/60) and goals against per 60 minutes (GA/60). Backing up this team is the goaltending tandem of Eric Comrie and Craig Anderson.
It is unclear which guy will start in tonight’s matchup, but either is a good option as they both have looked relatively strong to start the year. These teams are trending in two very different directions, and while the Penguins will likely figure it out, I am not confident they will do so on the second half of a back-to-back following a night where they lost a dramatic overtime game.
