Chicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Predictions for Saturday October 3 2026
The Chicago Blackhawks visit the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Both teams are already searching for answers after difficult starts. Chicago lost its opener 5-2 at Vegas before being shut out 6-0 by Utah, while Buffalo opened with a 6-3 road loss to Columbus. Buffalo enters with the stronger foundation after going 50-23-9 with 109 points last season. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more NHL predictions throughout the season.
Chicago Has an Early Defensive Problem
Chicago’s season has begun about as poorly as possible. The Blackhawks surrendered five goals against Vegas in their opener and followed that by allowing six in a shutout loss to Utah. That leaves Chicago with two goals scored and 11 allowed through its first two games.
The Utah performance was particularly concerning. Chicago failed to score while Utah put six on the board, leaving the Blackhawks with little time to fix their problems before traveling to Buffalo.
Saturday also represents Chicago’s third game in five days, all away from home. That’s a difficult opening stretch for a team already struggling to prevent goals.
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Buffalo Returns Home Looking for a Response
Buffalo’s opener wasn’t pretty either. The Sabres lost 6-3 at Columbus despite scoring first. Columbus scored three times during a 5:53 stretch late in the first period and Buffalo spent the remainder of the night chasing the game.
Special teams hurt the Sabres. Buffalo went 0-for-5 on the power play while Columbus converted twice with the man advantage. Still, the Sabres twice cut the deficit to one and had opportunities to tie the game before Columbus pulled away.
Buffalo’s larger body of work provides considerably more encouragement. The Sabres finished 50-23-9 with 109 points last season, scored 283 goals and allowed 240. They won the Atlantic Division before advancing through Boston in the playoffs and eventually losing a seven-game series to Montreal.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Prediction
Pick: Buffalo Sabres Moneyline
Buffalo is the preferred side. The Sabres’ 6-3 loss to Columbus was disappointing, but one opening-night defeat doesn’t erase a 109-point season. Chicago has already allowed 11 goals in two games and now plays its third consecutive road game. Returning to KeyBank Center gives Buffalo an excellent opportunity to respond after its opening loss.
Pick: Over 6.5
There hasn’t been much defensive resistance from either club so far. Chicago’s first two games produced seven and six total goals, while Buffalo’s opener produced nine. The Sabres allowed six but still scored three themselves, and Chicago has surrendered at least five in both outings. With both defenses struggling early, the Over 6.5 is the preferred total.
Final Picks: Buffalo Sabres Moneyline and Over 6.5
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