Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. In this edition the red hot Buffalo Sabres are back at home hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions Buffalo Sabres vs Los Angeles Kings
2024-2025 Head-to-Head: Sabres 1-1 Kings
How to Watch TV: FDSNW, MSG-Buffalo, ESPN+
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Location: The Keybank Center, live from Buffalo, New York.
The Sabres continue their dominant streak of hockey that began back on December 9th. Since that day, they have gone 19-3-1 in 23 games. The winningest streak in franchise history. The Sabres likely turn to Alex Lyon in net, after Colten Ellis played most of their most recent game in Toronto. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was injured in that game, and is considered day-to-day. Lyon last played Saturday afternoon in Long Island, where he earned a shutout.
Rasmus Dahlin has his 1st hat trick as part of a 5-point performance, and these guys just keep rolling.
At 19-3-1, it’s the winningest 23-game stretch in Sabres history.
How we feelin?
— Jourdon LaBarber (@JourdonLaBarber) January 28, 2026
The Kings come into this game in the thick of a Pacific Division standings race. They currently sit in fifth place. But they have the same number of points (57) as the San Jose Sharks and the Seattle Kraken. Every point is meaningful in that division right now. They have gone 4-2-4 in their last 10 games, and will look to convert some of these one point games into two point wins on a east coast road trip. They most recently picked up a road win over the Detroit Red Wings, one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season.
The Hottest Team in Hockey
What the Sabres are doing right now is nothing short of miraculous. We mentioned the crazy record they’re putting together right now. They have climbed close to 20 spots in the standings since that streak began. They are gunning for second place in the Atlantic Division now, sitting four points behind the Red Wings, with two games at hand. However, the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins are hot on their tails. Having the same number of points, with the Sabres holding down third with a games played and regulation wins advantage.
The emergence of some young guns is crucial for Buffalo. Joshua Norris is struggling to stay healthy this season, and Jiri Kulich only played a dozen games before bring side lined with a blood clot issue. Noah Ostlund and Konsta Helenius have stepped up in a massive way for this franchise. In their last game against the Maple Leafs, those two and Josh Doan combined for 68.91% expected goals percentage. The defence core is playing out of their minds as well, with Rasmus Dahlin having a hat trick and a five point night against the Maple Leafs.
That’s our Captain. 🤩
Congratulations to Rasmus Dahlin on his first-career hat trick tonight! pic.twitter.com/LIesJDq3jI
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 28, 2026
The “Extra Period” Kings
The Los Angeles Kings have figured out one thing: how to get to OT. To their credit, it may be saving their season. They are in the thick of it in a playoff race right now, despite being tied for 31st in the league in regulations wins. The Kings have just 14 of those. They have a 8-13 record in overtime this season. That’s close to 40% of their games going to the extra period, with 10 of those games going to a shootout. They’re in the mix, so it’s hard to discredit them, but it hasn’t been a convincing season in Los Angeles.
Their special teams aren’t helping them either. The Kings have the 31st ranked power play sitting at 15.6%. To pair with that, they have the 21st ranked penalty kill, at 77.8%. Both special teams groups favor the Sabres in this matchup. The Kings are good at keeping the puck out of their net seemingly. With just 144 goals allowed this season, that is third in the league behind the Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Kings will hope for a low scoring affair in Buffalo.
Prediction and Best Bets
The Sabres are coming off of an emotional win against their biggest division rivals on the road. The Sabres are the hottest team in hockey, and they’ll stay that way against the Kings. Every special teams group favors the Sabres. The top end scoring favors the Sabres. Those things combined will be enough for the Sabres to win on home ice.
Prediction: Sabres 5 – Kings 2
For best bets for the Sabres, Dahlin will build off of his five point night. Look for him to be an anytime point scorer in this game.
For the Kings, Corey Perry will bully his way into the crease and find a goal in back to back games on this road trip.
Main Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
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