Buffalo vs Chicago Prediction 22 November 2025
📣 Chicago are set to play back-to-back games as they visit Buffalo. Can the fresher Sabres outplay the Blackhawks, who just suffered a disappointing home loss to Seattle? Let's delve into our prediction.
Head-to-Head
Last season, these teams faced off twice, with the current hosts coming out on top in both encounters. At the United Center, Thompson and his squad had a strong first period and showcased solid defensive play in the third, securing a 4-2 victory on the road. On their home ice, the Blades achieved an even more convincing win, dominating with a 6-2 scoreline. They left the Hawks with no room to breathe in the first period, netting four unanswered goals. Efforts from Bedard and Bertuzzi midway through the game weren't enough for a comeback. Looking at the recent head-to-head history, it's clear that Chicago has been a favorable opponent for Buffalo. Over the last 10 matchups, the Illinois team has managed just one regulation-time victory against their rivals.
Head-to-head statistics Buffalo - Chicago
Buffalo Sabres Team Overview
Buffalo have been struggling this season, currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with eighteen points. Earlier this week, they kicked off their home series with an impressive victory over Edmonton (5-1). The team capitalized on the Oilers' defensive issues, scoring twice in two minutes during the second period against last season's Stanley Cup runners-up. Such a win seemed poised to boost the spirits of the home side, but in their second game of the week, they were thrashed by a struggling Calgary (2-6). The Sabres completely collapsed in the third period, allowing Backlund and company to score four times. Buffalo's situation is further complicated by the loss of forwards Kulich, Benson, and Norris. However, the experienced Jason Zucker has returned to the lineup and is ready to face Chicago.
Match Results: Buffalo Sabres
Chicago Blackhawks Team Overview
The Hawks kicked off their week with a commanding 5-2 victory over Calgary, scoring in each period. The standout performer was 20-year-old Connor Bedard, who netted a hat-trick. Bedard is having an outstanding season, alongside fellow prodigy Macklin Celebrini, causing a stir across the league. The brilliant work of Chicago's coaching staff, led by Jeff Blashill, deserves recognition. Blashill employs a strategy with eleven forwards and seven defensemen to evenly distribute playing time and manage the workload on young players. However, Thursday night turned into a real disappointment for Blashill's squad. They held a two-goal lead against the Kraken but collapsed in the third period, conceding three goals. In addition to Foligno and Dickinson, Andre Burakovsky will miss the game against Buffalo due to a recent injury.
Match Results: Chicago Blackhawks
🏒 Projected Lineups
Buffalo: Luukkonen - Samuelsson, Dahlin - Dahlin, Thompson, Tuch
Chicago: Söderblom - Vlasic, Crevier - Green, Bedard, Bertuzzi
🥅 Goalies
Buffalo's Finnish goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was on the injured list in October and hasn't yet regained full match fitness. Since the start of the season, he has only appeared in four games, posting a less-than-stellar goals-against average of 3.02.
Main goaltender Spencer Knight is likely to be rested, so we expect Arvid Söderblom to be in net for Chicago. Söderblom has performed reasonably well, with a goals-against average of 2.52 over six games.
Editorial Prediction
In the upcoming matchup, consider a bet on Chicago to win with a +1.5 handicap. The Blades have performed well in recent head-to-heads against the Hawks, but they rarely outplay their Illinois opponents by more than one goal margin. Furthermore, last season's victories were largely thanks to Cozens and Peterka, who have since moved on to different clubs over the summer. Given that Chicago has maintained this handicap in seven consecutive games, this prediction seems well-founded. Additionally, we anticipate a high-scoring affair, as Buffalo's goaltender Luukkonen's current form raises some concerns.
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Betting Tips: Buffalo Sabres - Chicago Blackhawks
in 6 of last 7 home games against Chicago Blackhawks (NHL).
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