Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Prediction for Thursday November 12 2026
The Sabres and the Blackhawks on Thursday night will meet up at the United Center at 8 PM ET for a hockey game. The game is the second one of a back to back for the Sabres who play Tampa Bay on Wednesday. This usually would be an issue and a point of concern, but the Sabres are facing a Blackhawks team that can barely fight their way out of a paper bag let alone the ice rink. The problem is the Sabres are not that good of a team either and that could cause some issues, but compared to Chicago its like a game between the Rangers in their hey day against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Make sure you are ready for all the action with our free NHL picks.
Buffalo Has Been Competitive Away from Home
Buffalo entered Wednesday at 8-6-3, with a 4-1-3 road record. That’s actually a pretty respectable showing away from home. The Sabres have gone 5-3-2 over their last ten games, so they’ve been collecting points consistently. The main issue for Buffalo is trying to get the games finished on a consistent basis, which has not been happening often enough.
The Sabres are putting in 2.9 goals per game and the defense for the Sabres is horrible giving up 3.3. Those numbers show that the defense is struggling and the offense is not able to keep pace with the defensive lapses. The good news for the struggling Sabres offense is the fact that the Blackhawks are giving up more than 4 goals per game.
Alex Lyon and Matt Grzelcyk have been listed unavailable, both of which are some of the bette goalies for the Sabres. The Sabres will need to find a goalie who can provide consistent blocking as the Blackhawks do not produce a lot of goals, but when they do get chances they tend to be fairly accurate.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Chicago Has Been Getting Beaten Too Easily
Chicago is 4-13-1 and has won only once in its last ten games. The Blackhawks are 4-5 at home, which means all the wins for Chicago have come at home. That does give the Blackhawks a glimmer of hope in this game, but the Blackhawks defense has been very questionable on the season so far and not looked impressive at all no matter where they are playing.
The Blackhawks are putting in only 2.2 goals per game and the defense is horrible giving up 4.2. That’s a two-goal difference every night. With that type of difference it is very difficult to pick up any type of wins on the season. That would also explain why the Blackhawks are struggling so much on the ice overall as the defense is making it to where the offense has to play catchup and in the NHL that does not help out.
Bowen Byram and Patrick Kane have been listed unavailable, adding to Chicago’s problems at both ends. The Blackhawks with their shorthanded bench due to injuries will rely on the players that are on the ice to be consistent and actually show up defensively. Too many turnovers and missed assignments have been turning close games into blowouts. Against Buffalo, Chicago needs to keep things simple. Get the puck out of the defensive zone, avoid unnecessary penalties, and make the Sabres work for their chances.
Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Prediction
Moneyline Pick: Buffalo Sabres
I’m taking Buffalo. The Sabres are playing the second game of a back-to-back, and that’s not ideal. But Chicago has four wins in 18 games and has been allowing 4.2 goals a night. That’s hard to overlook. Buffalo has been decent on the road, and the Sabres should get enough scoring chances to win this game. Chicago could take advantage of tired legs, but I don’t trust the Blackhawks to defend well enough for 60 minutes.
Total Pick: Over — Pending Verified Line
I lean over. Chicago has been allowing 4.2 goals a game, and Buffalo has been giving up 3.3. That’s plenty of defensive trouble on both sides. The Sabres could score four by themselves, and Chicago should have some opportunities against a team playing consecutive nights. The concern is Chicago’s offense, which has been averaging only 2.2. If the Blackhawks get shut down, the over could be difficult. But I think Buffalo’s defensive problems give Chicago a chance to contribute. I’ll lean toward a 4-3 Sabres win, depending on the posted total.
Final Picks: Buffalo Sabres Moneyline | Over (pending verified total)
Disclaimer: Completed November 11, 2026, before Buffalo’s game against Tampa Bay. Records, injuries, starting goaltenders, and betting lines should be updated before publication.
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Get Up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets Over Your First 10 Days
New Users - Get $200 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 4 days
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass
