Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, the team here at Last Word on Hockey will dive deep into analysis for any given game to give you the scoop on what elements can change the outcome. Today, we’re taking a look at the contest between the Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes. Be sure to keep an eye on our other NHL Predictions as the season presses on.
NHL Predictions
Buffalo Sabres at Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Sabres 1-0 Hurricanes
Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: FDSNSO, MSG-B, ESPN+
In their second of three games with each other this season, the Sabres will take on the…Hartford Whalers? Fear not, it isn’t 1989, all of the Walkman remain in the attics where we left them, and the Berlin Wall is still down. Nonetheless, we will see this classic Adams Division Rivalry…sort of. The Carolina Hurricanes are throwing it back for Thursday to the era of the Brass Bonanza and Pucky the Whale (who will always be one of the cutest mascots to ever exist in sports, and don’t fight me, because you know it’s true).
Last month, the Hurricanes and Sabres met up for the first time this season. In a 4-2 victory, Buffalo got the leg up on Carolina in the season series. Now, the struggling Hurricanes are looking to mount a comeback against them to even the score and end February on a high note.
The Carolina Story
Struggle and battle have been the words of the week, or rather, month for the Hurricanes. It has been tough for the team, between illness, injuries, and the 4 Nations break, February has been chaos. To add to it, the looming presence of the NHL Trade Deadline remains forefront on the minds of many. Over the 4 Nations break, sources reported that Carolina offered Mikko Rantanen a sizable contract. As of now, an answer to that remains unknown as the 28-year-old forward weighs whether he wishes to remain in Raleigh or move on. Should no answer come forward, it is assumed that Carolina may choose to flip him at the deadline.
“I’m told the offer is north of 13 Million, in and around between the 13-14 million dollar number.”@KevinWeekes dropped some extra details on Mikko Rantanen’s contract talks during the first intermission of the Chicago Blackhawks-Toronto Maple Leafs game.
#RaiseUp #NHL pic.twitter.com/CAjOf7ZpH4
— Queen of the Puck (@rbarkleyhockey) February 24, 2025
But tonight, we’re not worrying over that, we’re watching the Hartford Whalers play their annual game. After the green and blue was returned to play, the Whalers have been on an eight-game point streak in their eight total games played, both home and away. While the Hurricanes’ struggles may sour the Whalers’ 5-0-3 record, it is bound to be exciting with the nostalgic sounds and sights.
The Buffalo Story
The Buffalo Sabres have had their fair share of difficulties this season. Still rebuilding, they sit at the very bottom of the Eastern Conference. However, despite their position, it isn’t all rain clouds with this very young and promising team. A current bright side is a lack of absences from injuries, with the only player out being minors goaltender Felix Sandstrom, who has returned to Sweden on a personal basis. Even the Sabres’ Analyst, Rob Ray (yes, the same Rob Ray for which we have the fight strap rule), returned in the next game after taking a puck clean in the face. Tough crowd.
https://x.com/GinoHard_/status/1894542380453257283
Additionally, they have been a buzzsaw lately. Even prior to their come-from-behind victory in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks, they’ve been kicking butt and taking names. Their record over the last 10 games is 7-3-0. For comparison, the conference-leading Washington Capitals are at 5-2-3 in their last 10. At the time of writing this, the Sabres’ last 10 record is better than any other team league-wide striving for a Wild Card spot, with the exception of the Detroit Red Wings, who currently sit top of the list. It’s doubtful the Sabres will make the playoffs this season, but if their recent play isn’t encouraging for their fans for the future, then I don’t know what is.
Prediction
This game is especially hard to predict due to how the teams have been playing opposite of expectation. The Hurricanes’ play style has been unrecognizable since towards the end of January. “You look at our identity of our team. It’s definitely changed in the last couple weeks. We kinda changed the way we play a little bit. No knock on the guys we brought in, their great players,” Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour said on their recent play. “But we have to remember how we play the game. And I think we kinda changed a little bit; clearly not working.”
February has been a nightmare month for the Carolina Hurricanes. However, it has been one of the best for the Buffalo Sabres, in recent memory. They have only dropped two losses so far this month, dominating their opponents since returning from the 4 Nations break. Whether downing the New York Rangers 8-2 (with five goals in the first period), or unleashing three goals in the third for a 3-2 victory against the Ducks, they seemed to get a lot out of their two-week break.
Of course, opponent strength is something to note for both of these teams in recent games. The beauty of hockey is its unpredictability, but the spotty showers in play recently certainly cloud things for sports forecasters.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2
Your Nightly Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. For the Carolina Hurricanes, Andrei Svechnikov would be a decent option for a wager. Before the Canes’ previous game, he was on a three-game point streak. Furthermore, he has remained consistent in points generation. Additionally, for a wager that would have the possibility to bring in a bit more, Jack Roslovic is a good under-the-radar option. He currently sits one goal removed from the 100 marker in his career, and will likely be on the prowl for that milestone.
As for the Buffalo Sabres, in general points, Rasmus Dahlin would be the top pick. He is a steady goalscorer who also frequently picks up assists. Another pick for general points that may rake in a bit more would be Dylan Cozens, who plays notably well against Carolina.
Main Photo: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: February 27 Buffalo Sabres VS. Carolina Hurricanes appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.