Buffalo Sabres vs Philadelphia Flyers: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 4/1/2023

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Where to watch: NBCSP, MSG-B

DraftKings: Check back later for odds

BetMGM: Check back later for odds

Caesars: Check back later for odds

Sabres: 35-31-7

Flyers: 29-32-13

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On April 1, 2023, the Buffalo Sabres will travel to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center. Both teams have had a disappointing season so far, with the Sabres currently sitting in last place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 20-43-5, and the Flyers in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 26-38-4. However, both teams will still be looking to end the season on a high note and secure a win in this upcoming matchup.

The Buffalo Sabres have struggled mightily this season, with one of the worst records in the league. They have had difficulty finding consistency in all areas of the game, with an offense that has scored just 2.13 goals per game and a defense that has allowed 3.62 goals against per game, the third-highest mark in the league. Their special teams play has also been lacking, with a power play success rate of just 15.2% and a penalty kill success rate of 77.2%. Despite the struggles, the Sabres have some bright spots on their roster, including Tage Thompson, who has been an eater of worlds all year long.

The Philadelphia Flyers, meanwhile, have also had a tough season, with inconsistent play and injuries taking a toll on their roster. They have struggled both offensively and defensively, with an offense that has scored just 2.50 goals per game and a defense that has allowed 3.54 goals against per game, the second-highest mark in the league. Their special teams play has also been below average, with a power play success rate of 16.9% and a penalty kill success rate of 77.1%. Despite the struggles, the Flyers have some talented players on their roster, including winger Travis Konecny, who has tallied 46 points in 64 games played, and defenseman Ivan Provorov, who has contributed 41 points in 68 games played.

When these two teams last met earlier in the season, it was the Sabres who emerged victorious with a 4-2 win on home ice. However, both teams have gone through changes since then, and this upcoming matchup could go either way. The Sabres will be looking to build on their previous win and finish the season on a high note, while the Flyers will be looking to avenge their previous loss and end their season with some momentum.

One key factor to watch out for in this game is the goaltending play of both teams. The Sabres have struggled with their goaltending this season, with no clear starter emerging as a consistent option. They have rotated between Eric Comrie and  Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, with each posting save percentages below .900. The Flyers, meanwhile, have relied on the play of their veteran goaltender, Carter Hart, who has struggled this season with a save percentage of .896 and a goals-against average of 3.37. However, Hart has shown signs of improvement in recent games, and a strong performance from him could give the Flyers a significant advantage in the game.

Another factor to consider is the special teams play of both teams. Both the Sabres and the Flyers have struggled on the power play this season, with success rates below the league average. However, if one team can capitalize on their power play opportunities and convert on the man advantage, it could give them a significant boost in the game.

Prediction

I want the Sabres to find a way so bad. I just don't think they have enough gas in the tank to get it done. Though they should win here. Sabres 4, Flyers 2

Sabres:

Jeff Skinner -- Tage Thompson -- Alex Tuch

JJ Peterka -- Dylan Cozens -- Jack Quinn

Casey Mittelstadt -- Tyson Jost -- Victor Olofsson

Zemgus Girgensons -- Peyton Krebs -- Kyle Okposo

Rasmus Dahlin -- Henri Jokiharju

Owen Power -- Ilya Lyubushkin

Riley Stillman -- Jacob Bryson

Eric Comrie

Flyers:

Joel Farabee -- Morgan Frost -- Owen Tippett

Brendan Lemieux -- Noah Cates -- Wade Allison

James van Riemsdyk -- Kevin Hayes -- Kieffer Bellows

Nicolas Deslauriers -- Scott Laughton -- Tanner Laczynski

Ivan Provorov -- Cam York

Travis Sanheim -- Rasmus Ristolainen

Nick Seeler -- Tony DeAngelo

Felix Sandstrom