Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
TV/Streaming: Prime Video, MSG-B (and related regional/ESPN+ options depending on market)
This is the second meeting of the 2026-27 season. Dallas blanked Buffalo 4-0 earlier (Oct. 8 in Buffalo). The Stars sit higher in the standings with a stronger defensive profile and home advantage; the Sabres are looking to snap a three-game skid (including a recent OT loss at Chicago and a heavy home defeat to Tampa Bay).
Injury Reports
Buffalo Sabres
Matt Grzelcyk (D): Out (lower-body), on IR; expected return around Nov. 14 (possible game-time consideration or imminent).
Konsta Helenius (C/F): Out (upper-body), on IR; week-to-week / expected mid-to-late November (around Nov. 19).
Justin Danforth (RW/F): Out (upper-body), on IR; expected later November (around Nov. 22).
Goalie Alex Lyon recently returned from upper-body injury and made a start. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been the primary starter with mixed results.
Dallas Stars
Miro Heiskanen (D): Out (upper-body); expected return mid-November (around Nov. 17 or later; missed recent games).
Lian Bichsel (D): Out (lower-body); expected to miss at least the weekend / multiple weeks.
Matt Duchene (C): Out (abdomen/core surgery), longer-term (IR/LTIR; months).
Oskar Back (C/F): Out (finger), on IR/LTIR.
Kyle Capobianco (D): Out (leg), on IR.
The blue line is thinned, increasing the load on Thomas Harley and others.
Current Roster Highlights and Projected Lines
Sabres key contributors: Tage Thompson (leading goal-scorer with strong point totals), Jack Quinn (consistent production), Zach Benson (playmaking), Owen Power (offensive defenseman), Rasmus Dahlin (defense leader), Peyton Krebs, Josh Norris. Goalies: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (primary, higher workload but lower SV%), Colten Ellis, and recently activated Alex Lyon. Recent combinations often feature Thompson with skill wingers (Quinn/Benson groups) and Dahlin-Power or Samuelsson pairings.
Stars key contributors: Mikko Rantanen and Jason Robertson (top scoring threats), Roope Hintz, Wyatt Johnston, Thomas Harley (heavy minutes and points from the blue line). Goalies: Jake Oettinger (primary, stronger numbers) and Casey DeSmith/backup options. Lines typically feature Robertson/Rantanen with Hintz or Johnston; secondary scoring depth remains solid despite injuries.
Recent Team Forms
Sabres: Roughly 4-4-2 in the last 10. They are on a three-game skid (losses to Vegas, Tampa Bay 8-3, and OT at Chicago). Earlier wins included road success against LA, Anaheim, and San Jose. Offense is capable (Thompson/Quinn driving play) but defensive and goaltending inconsistencies have been issues (higher GA/GP). Road record has been relatively competitive.
Stars: Roughly 6-3-1 in the last 10. Strong overall structure, excellent PK (top-tier), solid PP, and home form. Recent results include a win over San Jose but a heavy home loss to Winnipeg. They excel when the power play clicks and limit high-danger chances. Home record is solid.
Dallas holds clear advantages in goals against, special teams (especially PK and faceoffs), and goaltending stability. Buffalo generates chances through skill but has struggled to suppress offense.
Series History
Dallas leads the 2026-27 season series 1-0 after a 4-0 shutout win in Buffalo on Oct. 8 (Robertson, Rantanen, Hintz among the scorers; Oettinger strong in net). Historical matchups have often favored Dallas in recent years, though games can be competitive.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Tage Thompson / Jack Quinn (BUF) vs. Mikko Rantanen / Jason Robertson / Roope Hintz (DAL): Buffalo’s top scoring threats against Dallas’ high-end offensive trio. Thompson’s shot volume and Quinn’s finishing will test Dallas’ structure.
Owen Power / Rasmus Dahlin (BUF) vs. Thomas Harley / remaining Stars defense: Buffalo’s mobile, offensive blue line against a depleted but still effective Dallas group (Harley logging big minutes).
Zach Benson / skill forwards (BUF) vs. Wyatt Johnston / Stars depth: Transition and secondary scoring battles.
Goaltending: Luukkonen/Lyon vs. Oettinger (or DeSmith). Oettinger has the edge in consistency and recent form; Buffalo’s tandem has been more volatile.
Special teams and possession: Dallas dominates faceoffs and owns a much stronger PK. Buffalo’s weaker PP and PK could be decisive if the game opens up or penalties accumulate.
Betting Trends
Dallas is stronger at home, superior defensively/special teams, and already owns a shutout win in the season series. Buffalo has shown road resilience at times but is sliding and allows more goals.
Dallas’ home advantage, superior defensive metrics, special-teams edge (especially PK and faceoffs), and goaltending stability should outweigh Buffalo’s skill up front. The Sabres can generate offense through Thompson and Quinn, but their recent defensive lapses and the Stars’ ability to control play make a home win the more likely outcome. A competitive middle period is possible, but Dallas should pull away or close it out efficiently.
Game Odds
Buffalo Sabres 6
Dallas Stars – 133
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 13, 2026
