The Anaheim Ducks travel to face the Buffalo Sabres in an Eastern Conference road trip finale for the Ducks, who are looking to snap a four-game losing streak against a Sabres team that’s been dominant at home. With Anaheim’s offense struggling and Buffalo boasting a strong record when scoring three or more goals, this matchup could hinge on special teams and goaltending, where the Sabres hold an edge in penalty kill efficiency.
Venue Location
KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST.
Recent Team Forms
The Ducks are in a rut, going 0-4-0 in their last four games with a -8 goal differential, outscored 14-6 overall.
They are 0-4 after scoring two or fewer goals in their previous game, averaging 1.5 goals scored and 3.5 allowed recently.
On the road, Anaheim is 10-11-2, with a 13-3-1 over in their last 17 games as favorites but struggling defensively.
The Sabres have been solid, posting a 6-3-1 record in their last 10 with a +6 goal differential.
They are 13-5-2 at home and 21-3-3 when scoring at least three goals.
Buffalo averages 3.4 goals scored and 2.8 allowed in recent home games, with a strong penalty kill leading the way.
Injury Report
Anaheim Ducks:
Troy Terry (RW): Day-to-day (Upper body; missed January 8 game, shares team lead with 42 points).
Petr Mrazek (G): Injured reserve (Undisclosed; placed on IR January 7, but note: Mrazek is typically with Chicago—possible reporting error; monitor for confirmation).
Frank Vatrano (RW): Injured reserve (Undisclosed; placed on IR January 7).
These absences weaken Anaheim’s top-line scoring and goaltending depth.
Buffalo Sabres:
Michael Kesselring (D): Out (Lower body; out since December 31).
Alex Lyon (G): Out (Lower body; out since December 29).
Conor Timmins (D): Out (Undisclosed).
No other major injuries reported, though the team is managing defensive depth.
Player Matchups to Watch
This game features battles between Anaheim’s gritty forwards and Buffalo’s speedy attack, with special teams likely playing a key role given the Ducks’ poor penalty kill.
Troy Terry (Ducks RW) vs. Rasmus Dahlin (Sabres D): If Terry plays despite his injury, his 42 points (team lead) will test Dahlin’s defensive prowess (elite blue-liner with strong neutral-zone play). Dahlin must contain Terry’s speed on rushes.
Mason McTavish (Ducks C) vs. Tage Thompson (Sabres C): McTavish provides physicality and secondary scoring, facing Thompson’s shot volume (3.5 shots/game) and power-play threat.
Frank Vatrano (Ducks RW) vs. Dylan Cozens (Sabres C): Vatrano, if available from IR, brings goal-scoring (but out), so pivot to Cam Fowler (D) vs. Alex Tuch (RW)—Fowler’s puck-moving vs. Tuch’s forechecking.
Goaltending: John Gibson (Ducks) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sabres)—Luukkonen holds an edge with Buffalo’s better defense.
Series History
The Sabres and Ducks have met 48 times, with Buffalo holding a 25-20-3 edge.
Anaheim has a 20-24-3-1 record overall against Buffalo.
In the last 20 games, results are split, with the latest on February 25, 2025, ending 2-3.
Games often feature moderate scoring, with the over hitting in 13 of Anaheim’s last 17 as favorites.
Betting Trends
Ducks are 0-4 in last 4 after low-scoring games; over is 13-3-1 in their last 17 as favorites.
Sabres are 21-3-3 when scoring 3+ goals; under is 3-1-3 in Ducks’ last 7.
Game Odds
Anaheim Ducks 6.5
Buffalo Sabres – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026
