Buffalo Sabres vs Ottawa Senators Betting Pick & Prediction 4/1/25

The Sabres and Senators are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Senators will host the game at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON. This Atlantic division matchup has an over/under of 6.5 goals, and the Senators are favored by -1.5 at home vs. the Sabres.

BUFFALO SABRES VS OTTAWA SENATORS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Ottawa Senators -1.5

This game will be played at Canadian Tire Centre at 7:00 ET on Tuesday, April 1st.

WHY BET THE OTTAWA SENATORS:

• Even though they are considered 1.5-goal underdogs, our projection points to a 4-3 win for the Sabres.
• We like the Sabres on the moneyline (+166)
• The Sabres are also our pick on the spread at +1.5

Will the Sabres Find a Way to Win on the Road?

Buffalo fell to 31-36-6 with a 2-1 loss to the Red Wings. The Sabres took an early lead with a short-handed goal from Alex Tuch at 11:39 in the first period, but Detroit responded with two power-play goals in the second period. Buffalo entered the game as underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, well above the 3 goals scored in the game.

Buffalo’s offense struggled, failing to score after Tuch’s early goal. They managed 32 shots on goal but couldn’t find the net again. Defensive issues also plagued the Sabres, as they allowed both of Detroit’s goals with the man advantage.

Buffalo’s offense was held to just one goal in their recent matchup with Detroit, despite firing 32 shots on goal. Alex Tuch netted his 5th of the season, scoring shorthanded at 11:39 in the first period. The Sabres had 13 giveaways and failed to convert on the power play.

After Tuch’s goal, Buffalo was unable to find the back of the net again, with no assists registered in the game. They were shut out in both the second and third periods.

Buffalo’s defense had a strong first period, keeping Detroit off the board. However, they allowed two power-play goals in the second period, which proved to be the difference. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, and the defense contributed 5 takeaways and 17 hits.

Does Ottawa Have a Shot at a Home Win?

With a 3-0 win over the Kraken, the Senators improved to 39-29-6. Ottawa covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6.5 goals was never in danger, with the game’s combined score reaching just 3.

All three of Ottawa’s goals came from different players, with Adam Gaudette, Brady Tkachuk, and Tim Stützle each finding the net. Stützle’s goal was an empty-netter, sealing the victory for the Senators.

Ottawa’s offense found the net three times in their 3-0 victory over Seattle. Adam Gaudette opened the scoring with his 7th goal of the season, while Brady Tkachuk added his 7th as well. Tim Stützle rounded out the scoring with his 6th goal, coming on an empty net.

Despite 11 giveaways, the Senators managed 23 shots on goal. None of their goals came on the power play, and they recorded five assists in the game.

On the defensive end, Anton Forsberg made 22 saves with a 100% save percentage, leading the Senators to a 3-0 shutout win. The defense also contributed 2 takeaways and 25 hits.