Sharks vs. Sabres Odds & Betting Predictions - March 5, 2025

The Sharks are a mess defensively—3.70 GA/G, struggling goaltending, and defensive lapses all over. But they’ve been keeping games close. Five of their last six losses have been by just one goal, and they’ve covered the +1.5 in four straight. Buffalo’s offense is solid, but they’re leaky on defense, allowing 3.40 GA/G. Their last five wins? All by a single goal. Buffalo’s offense is firing—Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and JJ Peterka have 67 goals combined. But their depth beyond that is shaky. San Jose’s defense is bad, but Buffalo’s hasn’t been much better, and they rely heavily on James Reimer. If the Sabres slip up even slightly, this game stays within a goal. Sharks also 7-3 covering the puck line in their last 10. With both teams struggling defensively and Buffalo’s habit of playing in close games, the +1.5 has value. Sharks have been scrappy, even in losses, and have shown they can stay competitive against mid-tier opponents. Sabres’ last three home wins were by one goal. Expect another tight game.

Good spot to take the over with both teams on a back-to-back. Sharks go from playing TOR, OTT to BUF. Much worse defensive opponent, and Sharks have been creating a decent amount of offense since returning from the break (Top 12 in xGF and high danger chances for since Feb 22nd) San Jose has found a way to score and give up goals early on the road this season. They have the third best first period over record away from home at 21-12 Sabres head home after losing back-to-back against MTL. Message in the room before last MTL game from Ruff was to shoot more, they outshot MTL 36-20 in 403 OT loss Now they head home where they are the best over team in the NHL, going over the total in 20 of their 30 home games this season. One of the big reasons is because the Sabres are scoring the third most goals per game at home this season (3.45) Vanecek should draw the start after Georgiev played on Monday night. Vanecek owns a .866 SV% and 4.53 GAA on the road this year. Meanwhile, Sabres starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen owns a .888 SV% and 3.07 GAA at home this season I see this game finishing 5-2 or 5-3 in favor of Buffalo