The Philadelphia Flyers (22-14-8) take on the Buffalo Sabres (24-16-4) in an Eastern Conference clash on January 14, 2026. The Flyers are mired in a three-game losing streak, dropping their last two to the Lightning by a combined 12-3 score, while the Sabres aim to rebound after snapping a three-game win streak with a narrow loss to the Panthers. Buffalo’s recent surge (13-2-0 in last 15) contrasts with Philadelphia’s inconsistent form, but the Flyers have shown resilience on the road. This matchup highlights offensive firepower against defensive grit, with special teams potentially key.
Venue
KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: TNT, truTV, HBO Max; Live Stream: ESPN+, Sling
Recent Team Forms
The Flyers have gone 5-4-1 in their last 10, but a three-game skid has exposed defensive vulnerabilities, allowing 14 goals in their last two. They’ve struggled against top teams but excel in comebacks, with four multigoal wins this month.
Philadelphia Flyers’ Last 5 Games:
Jan 12 vs TBL: L 1-5
Jan 10 vs TBL: L 2-7
Jan 8 vs TOR: L 1-2 (OT)
Jan 6 vs ANA: W 5-2
Jan 3 @ EDM: W 5-2
The Sabres are 8-2-0 in their last 10, outscoring opponents 38-25 during a hot stretch before a tight loss. Their home form is strong (14-6-2), and they’ve thrived in high-scoring affairs.
Buffalo Sabres’ Last 5 Games:
Jan 12 vs FLA: L 3-4
Jan 10 vs ANA: W 5-3
Jan 8 @ NYR: W 5-2
Jan 6 vs BOS: W 4-1
Jan 3 @ CBJ: L 1-5
Injury Report
Both teams could see returns, but depth issues loom for Buffalo’s blue line and Philadelphia’s forwards.
Philadelphia Flyers Injuries:
Jamie Drysdale (D): Injured reserve (upper body) – Eligible to return Jan. 14; practiced in non-contact, game-time decision.
Bobby Brink (RW): Day-to-day (upper body) – Possible for Jan. 14; missed last three games.
Tyson Foerster (RW): Out (arm) – No timetable; 11 goals in 21 games.
Travis Konecny (RW): Recently returned from upper body; available after ejection in Jan. 12.
Buffalo Sabres Injuries:
Michael Kesselring (D): Injured reserve (ankle) – Unlikely for Jan. 14 but “real close”; out since Dec. 31.
Josh Dunne (C): Out (middle body) – Being evaluated, could miss time.
Alex Lyon (G): Injured reserve (lower body) – Expected return Jan. 17.
Bowen Byram (D): Day-to-day (personal) – Expected to play.
Mattias Samuelsson (D): Available after recent scare.
Key Player Matchups
Expect high-energy battles between skilled forwards and physical defensemen, with goaltending crucial amid injuries.
Trevor Zegras (PHI) vs. Tage Thompson (BUF): Zegras (17G, 24A) brings creativity and playmaking; Thompson (22G, 20A) counters with size and sniping from the slot.
Travis Konecny (PHI) vs. Alex Tuch (BUF): Konecny (14G, 24A) is gritty and speedy; Tuch (14G, 22A) matches with power and recent multi-point games.
Owen Tippett (PHI) vs. Jack Quinn (BUF): Tippett (hot with 4G in last 10) vs. Quinn (2G vs. ANA, breakout threat).
Matvei Michkov (PHI) vs. Rasmus Dahlin (BUF): Michkov’s rookie flair (emerging scorer) tested by Dahlin’s two-way dominance.
Goalie Duel: Samuel Ersson (PHI) – .905 SV% recently; vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF) – .898 SV% career, strong in wins.
Special teams edge to Sabres (PK 84.7% vs. Flyers’ PP 15.3%).
Series History
The Flyers lead the all-time series 103-80-20-7, with a strong road record (41-50-8). This season, they’ve split: Sabres won 5-3 on Dec. 18, 2025; Flyers won 5-2 on Dec. 3, 2025. Buffalo has won four of the last six overall, averaging 3.5 goals per game.
Recent Head-to-Head:
Dec 18, 2025: BUF 5-3 @ PHI
Dec 3, 2025: PHI 5-2 vs. BUF
Mar 29, 2025: BUF 4-1 vs. PHI
Jan 20, 2025: PHI 3-2 @ BUF
Nov 16, 2024: BUF 5-0 vs. PHI
Betting Trends
Puck Line: Buffalo 15-9 ATS at home; PHI 12-10 ATS on road.
Over/Under: Over has hit in 6 of Sabres’ last 10; combined, teams average 6.09 goals/game.
Trends: Sabres 13-2 SU last 15, 8-2 SU last 10 home; but 1-1 vs. PHI this season. Flyers 2-3 SU/ATS last 5; under in 4 of last 6 road.
Best Bet: Sabres ML (-152) – Buffalo’s 13-2 run and superior PK give them the edge at home; they’ve won 14 of 20 at KeyBank.
Value Play: Over 6 (-125) – Both offenses average 3+ goals recently; combined GAA 6.07 pushes totals
Game Odds
Philadelphia Flyers 6.5
Buffalo Sabres – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 13, 2026
