Archive note: Technical commentary has been removed. This remains historical pregame coverage; original selections have been retained where stated.
Buffalo Sabres vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction - April 13, 2026
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.
The Buffalo Sabres travel to Chicago to face the Blackhawks on April 13, 2026, in a matchup that pits a team riding solid momentum against a struggling squad desperately seeking consistency.
Team Form & Recent Performance
Buffalo enters this contest in considerably better form than Chicago. The Sabres have posted a 5-3-2 record with three wins in their last five games, showing the kind of resilience needed down the stretch. More importantly, Buffalo enjoys a three-day rest advantage, coming into Chicago fresh and ready to execute.
The Blackhawks, meanwhile, sit at 2-7-1 with just one win in their last five outings—a troubling sign for a team needing to turn its season around. Chicago has only one day of rest on a normal schedule, which could compound their struggles against a well-rested opponent. The extended rest period for Buffalo is a notable edge that shouldn't be overlooked in this Sabres Blackhawks pick.
The Sabres dominate across all three key analytics:
This nearly seven-point gap indicates the Sabres control the puck and generate more shot attempts at even strength—a fundamental indicator of team quality.
The Sabres are creating higher-quality scoring chances, while the Blackhawks are struggling to generate offense.
This 12-point differential suggests Buffalo's offensive system is far more efficient.
These analytics confirm what the eye test suggests: Buffalo has vastly superior team play and shot quality.
Goalie Matchup
Ulevi Luukkonen gets the nod for Buffalo with an impressive 21-9-3 record, demonstrating both winning pedigree and consistency. Luukkonen has been a stabilizing force in net and will be well-positioned to capitalize on Buffalo's superior play.
Arvid Soderblom starts for Chicago at 18-24-11, a record that reflects the Blackhawks' broader struggles. While Soderblom has showed flashes of potential, the disparity in support and team quality is evident in these records. Buffalo's forwards will generate more chances, and Luukkonen's superior form gives the Sabres a clear edge in goal.
Prediction
According to WP Hockey Predictor, the Buffalo Sabres are favored to win this matchup with a Confident rating, compared to the Chicago Blackhawks.
The reasoning is straightforward: Buffalo controls play across all major metrics, brings a well-rested lineup, features a superior goaltender, and has genuine momentum.
For NHL picks focused on player props, Josh Norris represents solid value as an anytime goalscorer given Buffalo's overwhelming offensive pressure.
Run your own prediction with our calculator to explore different scenarios and see how variables shift the probabilities.
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.