The Colorado Avalanche (2-0-1) will take on the Buffalo Sabres (0-2) will face off on Monday afternoon at the KeyBank Center.
The Avalanche are coming off a tough 5-4 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday night. The entertaining game featured plenty of offense. However, the Avalanche were unable to win the game at home, eventually succumbing to the Stars in the shootout.
Meanwhile, the Sabres lost their last outing on Saturday night, a 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden. The loss came on the heels of a 4-0 blanking at the hands of the New York Rangers in their season debut.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the preview, odds, and matchups for the Avalanche vs Sabres showdown on Monday afternoon in Buffalo.
Avalanche vs Sabres: Preview
The Avalanche enter the contest as leaders of the Central Division with five points. Colorado is currently undefeated, with the shootout loss the only blemish on the team’s record. The Avalanche have looked like every bit of the Stanley Cup contender that pundits have chosen them to be.
Colorado, however, has been hit by the injury bug. Starting netminder MacKenzie Blackwood remains on the shelf. Also, blueliner Samuel Girard has been placed on IR. He’s week-to-week with a suspected upper-body injury.
Meanwhile, the Sabres have had injury woes of their own. They lost top center Josh Norris to injury after just one game this season. Coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that Norris will miss significant time.
In his place, the Sabres will have Jiri Kulich head the top unit. He’ll be joined by Tage Thompson, a two-time 40-goal scorer. Also, Alex Tuch is another dangerous forward for the Sabres.
On the blue line, Rasmus Dahlin and former Avalanche Bowen Byram lead the way among a talented group of young D-men. The Avalanche should not overlook these players as they have breakout potential.
Colorado vs Buffalo: Odds
The Avalanche are listed as moneyline favorites by FanDuel. The Avs have the edge at -164, with the Sabres as underdogs at +136.
The spread is set at -1.5 for the Avalanche (+144), with the Sabres getting +1.5 (-178). Lastly, the over/under is set at 6.5 goals, with the over going to the Avs at -110, and the under for the Sabres at -110.
This game could be a blowout in favor of the Avalanche if Colorado can get the puck moving early in the game. Otherwise, the Sabres may hold on, but could ultimately struggle to contain the Avs’ powerful offense.
Colorado vs Buffalo: Matchups
The key matchups for the Avs will be Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar once again. The duo had a strong game against the Stars and will hopefully continue to do so. But fans should keep an eye on Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichuskin. Both had a solid game against the Stars and could be breakout players on Monday.
Also, Scott Wedgewood could get his fourth start of the season. With Blackwood out, Wedgewood will likely get the call. The Avalanche won’t play until Thursday, so if Wedgewood could get enough time to rest in between games.
Meanwhile, the Sabres players to watch will be Thompson and Tuch. They are pure goal scorers can could make it tough for the Avalanche to keep them in check. Also, Rasmus Dahlin could deliver a solid game for Buffalo.
Alex Lyon is scheduled to get the call between the pipes. Lyon is a streaky goalie and could have a solid outing on Monday. Lyon has played in both games for Buffalo this season, posting a 2.55 GAA and .919 SV%.
Please note that Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.