The Vancouver Canucks will defend their home barn tonight against the Buffalo Sabres in the second half of a home back-to-back. The Canucks lost 5-2 to the Flames last night as they wrap up their seven-game homestand tonight. The Sabres have been flying under the radar as they've been winning big games lately, including a 1-0 win against the Flames on Friday. Can they get another win tonight? It’s time to continue our NHL odds series with a Sabres-Canucks prediction and pick.

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Here are the Sabres-Canucks NHL Odds, Courtesy of FanDuel

NHL Odds: Sabres-Canucks Odds

Buffalo Sabres: +1.5 (-150) (+176 ML)

Vancouver Canucks: -1.5 (+122) (-215 ML)

Over: 6 (-122)

Under: 6 (+100)

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Why The Sabres Can Cover The Spread/Win

The Buffalo Sabres have picked up their third win in their last four games, thanks to Tage Thompson's game-winner against the Flames. Thompson has sneakily emerged as a pure power forward for the Sabres as he's leading the team in goals (25) and points (45). He also loves to hit as he is second out of the Sabres forwards in the hit totals (51). Buffalo is also looking at their next team captain in Alex Tuch, who is a natural leader for this team, racking up 24 points in just 30 games played this season. Buffalo is well aware that they won't be making the playoffs this season, but they won't go down without a fight. They'll look to grab another win tonight to try and ruin the Canucks' playoff hopes of their own.

Why The Canucks Can Cover The Spread/Win

The Vancouver Canucks have now lost back-to-back games after their loss last night to the Flames. Within their six-game homestand so far, the Canucks are 2-3-1, which isn't a step in the right direction since they're just five points away from a wild card spot. It'll be interesting to see what they do at the trade deadline tomorrow, whether they look to sell some players or buy some and try to stay in that playoff race. I bet this game tonight is going to be the telling sign on what they end up doing. Lose here, and just pack it in for the off-season, or win here and try to get more points for playoffs. It could go either way against a Buffalo team who has nothing to lose.

Final Sabres-Canucks Prediction & Pick

The Sabres have been sneakily not just covering the puck line, but outright winning games. They have nothing to lose (besides maybe some players at the deadline), so why not go all out for the rest of the season. The Sabres are a big team, size-wise, and love to throw around the body. They definitely don't make it easy for teams. For the Canucks, this is a “must-win” game for them. If they can't get two points tonight, it'll most likely be a wrap on their season. The Canucks definitely have the potential to win here tonight, but I like how pesky the Sabres have been playing. So with that, give me the Sabres to cover the puck line tonight while the odds are still relatively low for such a bet.

Final Sabres-Canucks Prediction and Pick: Sabres +1.5 (-150)