The Los Angeles Kings (22-16-13) visit the Buffalo Sabres (30-17-5) in an interconference matchup that highlights the Sabres’ four-game winning streak against a Kings team seeking consistency on the road. Buffalo has been dominant lately, outscoring opponents 14-8 in their streak, while Los Angeles has alternated wins and losses, relying on strong goaltending but struggling offensively. The series is tied 0-0 this season, but the Kings won both meetings last year (4-3 OT on Dec. 7, 2024, and 3-1 on Jan. 24, 2025). With injuries affecting both sides, expect a low-scoring affair at KeyBank Center, where Buffalo’s home-ice advantage could prove decisive, but LA’s defensive structure keeps them in contention for a playoff push.
Venue Location
KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT). The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, FDSW, and MSG-B, with radio coverage on SiriusXM.
Recent Team Forms
The Sabres are surging with a 7-2-1 record in their last 10, emphasizing balanced scoring and solid goaltending. The Kings are 4-2-4 in their last 10, with strong defensive play but inconsistent offense.
Los Angeles Kings (Last 10 Games: 4-2-4, Avg. 2.8 GPG)
Recent Streak: Lost 1 (OT).
Key Results:
Jan. 28 vs. MIN: OT L 1-2 (Strong defense but limited shots).
Jan. 26 @ MTL: W 4-3 (Kempe 2 G).
Jan. 24 vs. PHI: W 3-1.
Jan. 22 @ FLA: L 2-4.
Jan. 20 vs. ANA: W 4-2.
Strengths: Penalty kill at 82.4% (8th in NHL); Allow 2.78 GAA (10th). Weaknesses: Power play at 15.2% (28th); 14-6-6 on road but recent OT losses.
Buffalo Sabres (Last 10 Games: 7-2-1, Avg. 3.4 GPG)
Recent Streak: Won 4 straight.
Key Results:
Jan. 28 vs. TOR: W 4-2 (Luukkonen 32 saves).
Jan. 26 @ NYI: W 3-2 (OT).
Jan. 24 vs. MTL: W 5-1.
Jan. 22 vs. NSH: W 4-3.
Jan. 20 vs. CAR: L 2-4.
Strengths: Power play at 21.5% (12th); Score 3.25 GPG (9th). Weaknesses: Penalty kill at 79.8% (20th); Allow 2.98 GAA.
Injury Report
Injuries loom large, with the Sabres potentially without their starting goalie and the Kings missing their top center.
Los Angeles Kings:
OUT: Anze Kopitar (C, lower body; day-to-day, expected to miss).
OUT: Alex Turcotte (C, upper body; day-to-day).
Buffalo Sabres:
OUT: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (G, lower body; day-to-day, questionable for start).
OUT: Joshua Norris (C, ribs; day-to-day).
OUT: Jacob Bryson (D, upper body; out indefinitely).
OUT: Jordan Greenway (LW, lower body; day-to-day).
Player Matchups
Kings Forwards: Quinton Byfield – Phillip Danault – Adrian Kempe; Trevor Moore – Alex Laferriere – Warren Foegele; Alex Iafallo – Trevor Lewis – Tanner Jeannot; Samuel Fagemo – Blake Lizotte – Akil Thomas.
Sabres Forwards: JJ Peterka – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch; Dylan Cozens – Ryan McLeod – Jack Quinn; Jason Zucker – Peyton Krebs – Zach Benson; Beck Malenstyn – Sam Lafferty – Nicolas Aube-Kubel.
Kings Defense: Mikey Anderson – Brandt Clarke; Vladislav Gavrikov – Jordan Spence; Joel Edmundson – Jacob Moverare.
Sabres Defense: Rasmus Dahlin – Henri Jokiharju; Bowen Byram – Owen Power; Dennis Gilbert – Jacob Bryson (if available).Goalies: Kings – Darcy Kuemper (22 GP, 12-6-4, 2.45 GAA, .910 SV%); Sabres – Devon Levi (if Luukkonen out; 18 GP, 9-5-2, 2.65 GAA, .905 SV%).
Key Matchups:
Adrian Kempe vs. Rasmus Dahlin: Kempe (18 G, 25 A) tests Dahlin’s defensive prowess (8 G, 30 A).
Tage Thompson vs. Phillip Danault: Thompson (25 G, 22 A) faces Danault’s shutdown role.
Alex Tuch vs. Brandt Clarke: Tuch’s speed (20 G, 28 A) challenges Clarke’s positioning.
Series History
All-time: Sabres lead 78-65-18-6 in 167 games. Playoffs: No meetings. Recently: Kings 3-2 in last 5; Sabres won last 1-0 on Nov. 20, 2024. This season: First meeting (0-0).
Betting Trends
ATS Trends: Sabres 30-22 ATS (14-10 as favorite); Kings 18-33 ATS (10-16 as underdog). Sabres 6-2 ATS in last 8 home; Kings 4-6 ATS in last 10 road. Over in 5 of Sabres’ last 7; Over in 4 of Kings’ last 6 vs. Atlantic teams.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Kings 5.5
Buffalo Sabres – 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026
