The Buffalo Sabres (26-17-5) face the Nashville Predators (23-21-4) in a cross-conference matchup as the Sabres continue their five-game road trip. Buffalo is coming off back-to-back losses, including a 2-1 defeat to Carolina, while Nashville suffered a lopsided 7-2 loss to Vegas but showed offensive spark in a prior win over Colorado. This game features contrasting styles: the Sabres’ high-volume shooting (29.8 SOG per game) against the Predators’ structured defense, potentially influenced by injuries to key forwards on both sides. Expect a competitive tilt with special teams playing a pivotal role, as Buffalo’s power play ranks top-10 while Nashville’s penalty kill sits in the bottom half.
Game Details
Puckdrop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT)
Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
TV Broadcast: ESPN+, FDSNSO, MSG-B, Victory+
How to Watch: NHL Network (streaming available via ESPN+)
Recent Team Forms
The Sabres are 3-2 in their last five, with wins showcasing balanced scoring but losses highlighting goaltending vulnerabilities. The Predators are 2-3 in their last five, alternating high-output wins and defensive collapses.
Buffalo Sabres Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 19 | @ Carolina Hurricanes | L | 1-2 |
| Jan 17 | vs. Minnesota Wild | L | 4-5 |
| Jan 15 | vs. Montreal Canadiens | W | 5-3 |
| Jan 14 | vs. Philadelphia Flyers | W | 5-2 |
| Jan 13 | vs. Florida Panthers | W | 3-2 |
Nashville Predators Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 17 | @ Vegas Golden Knights | L | 2-7 |
| Jan 16 | @ Colorado Avalanche | W | 7-3 |
| Jan 13 | vs. Edmonton Oilers | W | 4-3 (OT) |
| Jan 11 | vs. Vancouver Canucks | L | 1-2 |
| Jan 10 | @ Anaheim Ducks | L | 3-5 |
Injury Report
Buffalo’s forward depth is tested with multiple absences, while Nashville manages blue-line and wing injuries that could limit physicality.
Buffalo Sabres: Josh Norris (F) – IR (Upper Body, expected return Jan. 31); Josh Dunne (F) – IR (Middle Body, 4-6 weeks); Jiri Kulich (F) – IR; Justin Danforth (F) – IR; Conor Timmins (D) – IR.
Nashville Predators: Adam Wilsby (D) – Day-To-Day (Lower Body); Ozzy Wiesblatt (D) – IR (Upper Body); Zachary L’Heureux (F) – Out.
Key Player Matchups
This game highlights offensive duels and defensive tests. Buffalo’s shooting volume (29.8 SOG/GP) could pressure Nashville’s goaltending, while the Predators’ veteran forwards exploit the Sabres’ average road defense (3.20 GAA away).
Tage Thompson (Sabres) vs. Ryan O’Reilly (Predators): Thompson (25 G, 25 A) leads Buffalo’s attack with power and speed. O’Reilly (former Sabre, 19 G, 28 A) brings two-way play and faceoff prowess (55%); expect a center-ice battle controlling possession.
Rasmus Dahlin (Sabres) vs. Steven Stamkos (Predators): Dahlin (D, 10 G, 28 A) quarterbacks Buffalo’s power play with elite passing. Stamkos (21 G) thrives on one-timers; Dahlin’s shutdown ability will be tested in high-danger zones.
Alex Tuch (Sabres) vs. Roman Josi (Predators): Tuch (winger, physical scorer) adds net-front presence. Josi (D, offensive dynamo) generates from the blue line; this matchup could dictate transition opportunities.
Goaltending: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sabres) vs. Juuse Saros (Predators): Luukkonen (.902 SV%) is steady but vulnerable on the road. Saros (.884 SV% recently) has home splits favoring him but needs rebound control against Buffalo’s shots.
Buffalo ranks 11th in goals per game (3.25); Nashville is 20th in GAA (3.35).
Series History
Nashville leads the all-time series 21-15-1-1 in 37 games.
The Predators have won the last two meetings, but Buffalo holds a 5-2 edge in the prior seven.
Dec 12, 2019: Sabres 4-3 vs. Predators
Jan 18, 2020: Predators 2-1 vs. Sabres
Jan 13, 2022: Sabres 4-1 @ Predators
Average margin in last three: +2.3 goals for winner.
Betting Trends
Spread: Sabres are 24-24 ATS overall (50%) but 12-11 ATS on road as underdogs. Predators are 23-25 ATS but 13-12 ATS at home.
Over/Under: 6.5 (-110 to +102).
Teams combine for 6.0 GPG. Predators games hit over 52% (25/48); Sabres under 55% (27/49) but over in 4 of last 5 night games. Over in 5 of last 7 head-to-head. Other Trends: Sabres 2-3 SU last 5; 5-2 SU last 7 vs. Predators. Predators 2-3 SU last 5; 11-4 ATS as favorites this season.
Game Odds
Buffalo Sabres 6.5
Nashville Predators – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 19, 2026
