The Buffalo Sabres (3-3-1) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (3-3-1) meet Thursday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let's analyze NHL odds around the Sabres vs. Maple Leafs odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
2025-26 season series: Sabres won 3-1, including a 4-3 OT win in Toronto
Buffalo (+130) suffered a 4-3 loss in a shootout at the Montreal Canadiens last time out Tuesday as the Over (6.5) cashed. The good news is the Sabres are averaging 4.0 goals per game (GPG) in the past 2 outings after totaling just 1 goal in 2 games Oct. 8-10, but the bad news is that the Sabres have let in 3+ goals in 4 in a row, and 6 of 7 games this season.
Toronto (+136) dropped a 5-4 game on the road
against the Utah Mammoth Tuesday to wrap up a 3-game West Coast trip, going 1-1-1 against the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche and Utah. The Over has cashed in 4 in a row for the Leafs, with the offense averaging 4.5 GPG, while allowing 4.0 GPG.
Watch the NHL on Fubo!
Sabres at Maple Leafs odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:57 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Sabres -104 (bet $104 to win $100) | Maple Leafs -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Sabres +1.5 (-245) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+194)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -128 | U: +104)
Sabres at Maple Leafs projected goalies
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2-2-1, 3.45 GAA, .850 SV%) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (1-2-1, 2.96 GAA, .907 SV%)
UPL has allowed 3+ goals in 4 of his past 5 starts, including 3 goals allowed on 38 shots Tuesday in Montreal in the 4-3 shootout loss. His last win came in relief Monday against the Florida Panthers, when he stopped 13 of 14 shots after taking over for an ineffective Colten Ellis.
Bobrovsky is likely to start, as Anthony Stolarz didn't have a great game in Utah. Bob was sharp in net in a victory in Colorado, posting 30 saves on 33 shots.
Sabres at Maple Leafs picks and predictions
Prediction
Maple Leafs 4, Sabres 3
Moneyline
The MAPLE LEAFS (-125) are worth a look as short favorites in this Atlantic Division battle. Toronto is 2-1-1 in the past 4 games, showing off tremendous offense, and a lack of defense and goaltending. However, the Sabres haven't been a whole lot better, so expect a nail-biter.
Puck line/Against the spread
The Sabres +1.5 (-245) will cost you nearly 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that's way too much if you need a little bit of insurance. However, the Maple Leafs -1.5 (+194) can't be trusted to cover the puck line, either, as they allow just too many goals.
AVOID.
Over/Under
OVER 6.5 (-128) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at best. The Over has cashed in 4 in a row for the Maple Leafs, while cashing in the past 2 outings for the Sabres. The Over has hit in both previous road games for Buffalo, too.
Best prop bet
Maple Leafs RW KIRILL MARCHENKO 1+ POINTS (-166) is worth playing, as he streaks in with at least 1 point in each of the past 5 outings, going for 1 goal and 5 points in the past 5 games.
Betting odds calculator
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow Daniel Dobish on X at @danieledobish. Follow SportsbookWire on X at SportsBookWire and on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and predictions
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
