Scott Rickenbach’s NHL **GAME OF THE MONTH**
Scott Rickenbach’s NHL 9* (TOP PLAY) Buffalo Sabres Money Line (-) @ Florida @ 7:35 PM ET
Buffalo is 4-1-1 this season and coming off their first loss in regulation time this season. Florida is just 2-4 this season and they’re coming off of their first win in regulation time this season. This is offering huge value to the Sabres in this match-up because they’re on the road and laying a small price while also being perfectly position for a bounce back game. Buffalo’s forwards are healthy again and, with Thomas Vanek back they’ll be able to roll out the same four lines that produced solidly for them early this season. Even though they lost 4 to 2 to Atlanta on Saturday, the Sabres did finish up that game outshooting the Thrashers by a 41-15 margin. After getting down early, Buffalo certainly responded but the fact that they still came up short insures that they are still hungry here and they will carry momentum from Saturday’s effort right into Wednesday’s game. Keep in mind, the Sabres were playing the second of a back to back situation when they lost to Atlanta Saturday and they seemed to come out flat in that game. You certainly won’t see a repeat of that here.
Buffalo has been one of the league’s best so far this season in terms of generating shots on goal while also limiting their opponents’ shots on goal. They also will have Ryan Miller back in goal tonight and he’s off to a stellar start this season. Miller is 5-1 with a 1.65 GAA in his last six starts against Florida. He also has a 1.50 GAA in winning each of his last four starts. Also, the Sabres could take advantage of seeing Panthers back-up netminder Scott Clemmensen in this one. Or, if Florida does decide to go with their #1 netminder, note that Tomas Vokoun is off to a very rough start for the Panthers this season and he’s just 1-4-1 in six starts against Buffalo. While the Sabres are outshooting their opponents by 12 shots per game the Panthers are being outshot by about 11 shots per game. With the extra hunger the Sabres bring here (off of a home loss), as well as their improved health up front with the forwards, this one should quickly turn into a road rout! Play Buffalo on the money line as a 9* TOP PLAY selection.
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