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Pittsburgh (28-15-12) at Buffalo (32-18-6)
- When: Feb 5 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- TV: MSG-B
Pittsburgh vs Buffalo NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Buffalo -125
Spread: Buffalo -1.5 (+190)
Total: 6.5
Buffalo Sabres Betting Breakdown
Buffalo returns home looking to clean up details after a pair of frustrating divisional losses, but the bigger picture still points in a positive direction. The Sabres remain firmly in the playoff mix despite a late collapse in a 4 to 3 overtime loss at Tampa Bay, a game where they showed plenty of fight but failed to close. Mattias Samuelsson scored twice, Josh Doan added a power play goal, and Rasmus Dahlin pushed his point streak to six games with four goals and seven assists over that stretch. Goaltender Colten Ellis stopped 31 shots, keeping Buffalo competitive until the final horn.
The Sabres have dropped two of their last three against Atlantic Division rivals, yet confidence has not wavered. Buffalo continues to generate offense from the blue line, pressure opponents with pace, and play mostly tight games. At home, those traits matter even more, especially in a matchup against a team coming off emotional overtime losses of its own.
From a betting standpoint, Buffalo’s speed and shot volume give them the slight edge in a game expected to stay tight and physical.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Breakdown
Pittsburgh arrives in Buffalo holding a solid playoff position, though recent results suggest the margins are shrinking. The Penguins let a critical point slip away in a 5 to 4 overtime loss to the Islanders, a game where they scored four times but could not deliver the knockout blow. Justin Brazeau, Egor Chinakhov, Anthony Mantha, and Bryan Rust all found the net, yet defensive lapses proved costly late.
That loss followed a 3 to 2 defeat at Ottawa, snapping a six game winning streak. While the Penguins remain comfortable in the standings, the recent back to back losses show how little room for error exists. Sidney Crosby has been quieter offensively with just two assists in his last five games, but his long history of success against Buffalo still commands attention.
Pittsburgh’s experience keeps them dangerous, though road inconsistency and late game breakdowns remain concerns.
NHL Prediction and Betting Outlook
Expect a tight contest with momentum swings and limited separation. Buffalo’s home ice and urgency should be enough to tip the scales late.
Score Prediction: Sabres 4, Penguins 3
Pick: Buffalo ML (-125)
Total: Over 6.5 (-110)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
