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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Face-off: 2100 ET, 17/03/2022
Arena: Rogers Place
Edmonton have enhanced their hopes of a top-three finish in the Pacific Division with a hat-trick of home wins and can now see off Buffalo.
The Sabres have also been in fine form this month but may just find it hard to get up for this contest after their Heritage Classic success last time out.
We’re snapping up 2.0 for the hosts to prevail by more than one clear goal in our Edmonton Oilers vs Buffalo Sabres predictions.
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With Vegas, Vancouver and Anaheim not far behind them, the pressure was on Edmonton to make the most of a five-match homestand and they have done just that so far.
After edging out Washington 4-3 in overtime, the Oilers have beaten Tampa Bay 4-1 and Detroit 7-5.
Head coach Jay Woodcroft was frustrated by “a lot of self-inflicted errors” against the Red Wings.
However, he added: “In the end, it’s a credit to our players for finding a way to win when it got tense there.”
Getting number one goalie Mike Smith back from injury and illness here is another boost to their playoffs prospects.
“Obviously, missing an extended period of time, it’s not the way you want to go,” commented Smith. “You want to play games, but I’m not really worried.
“I can’t control that now. I’m focused on this game and that’s it, so I’m not looking too far ahead.”
Edmonton have built up plenty of momentum and 4.6 for them to oblige by exactly three goals catches the eye from the NHL odds.
Buffalo made it four wins out of six when upsetting Toronto 5-2 in tough conditions outdoors at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton.
Vinnie Hinostroza had two goals and an assist as the Sabres finished strongly after edging ahead 3-2 at 5:16 of the third period.
He said: “It’s been a special weekend having my son here and my wife here. It’s really special, being able to chip in and help the team win.
“There’s so many distractions with family over and everyone at the hotel enjoying themselves, but our team did a great job.
“Putting that in the background and coming in and realising we have a big game to win here, I’m really proud of our team.”
With just 48 points from 60 games, Buffalo are really only playing for pride from here on, though, and any drop in intensity could catch them out.
Four days off since that high-profile triumph may also count against them, especially in the early exchanges at Rogers Place.
Let’s add 2.1 for the Oilers to lead after the first period to our NHL predictions for this contest.
Additional stats
Last result:
EDMONTON 7-5 Detroit
BUFFALO 5-2 Toronto
Season head-to-head: Buffalo 3-2 Edmonton
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