The Ottawa Senators (1-2-0) head to KeyBank Center to face the struggling Buffalo Sabres (0-3-0) on Wednesday night. Both clubs are desperate to get their early seasons on track — Ottawa has dropped back-to-back games, while Buffalo is still searching for its first win after managing just two goals in three outings.
The Senators enter as -150 favorites, but Buffalo’s home-ice intensity and young core led by Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin make this a dangerous spot for the visitors. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and this Atlantic Division matchup has the makings of a tight, physical battle.
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📺 Where To Watch Senators vs. Sabres? (October 15, 2025)
| Detail | Info |
| Date | Wednesday, Oct 15, 2025 |
| Time | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| Venue | KeyBank Center — Buffalo, NY |
| TV | ESPN+ / MSG Network |
| Stream | Fubo |
💰 Betting Odds Board
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Total |
| Senators (1-2-0) | -1.5 (+205) | -150 | O 6 (-120) |
| Sabres (0-3-0) | +1.5 (-250) | +125 | U 6 (+100) |
📈 Betting Trends
| Category | Ottawa | Buffalo |
| Games over 6.0 goals (last season) | 46 | 54 |
| Avg GF / GA (last season) | 3.0 / 2.8 | 3.2 / 3.5 |
| Power Play % | 23.7 (13th) | 18.7 (24th) |
| Penalty Kill % | 80.9 (12th) | 77.6 (25th) |
| Record as Fav/Dog | 28–22 Fav | 21–34 Dog |
Trend take: Both clubs’ totals hovered around 6+ goals per night last season, and early-season defensive rust makes the Over 6 (-120) an appealing look again.
🏒 Team Breakdown
🦊 Ottawa Senators Preview
The Sens’ 4–1 loss to Nashville highlighted both their inconsistency and potential. Despite outshooting the Predators 32–29, Ottawa went just 1-for-5 on the power play and continues to struggle converting chances.
Offensively, Tim Stützle (24G, 55A last season) and Drake Batherson (26G, 42A) drive the attack, while Brady Tkachuk adds physicality and net-front scoring.
Goaltender Linus Ullmark, traded in the offseason to stabilize Ottawa’s crease, owns a career .916 SV% and 2.58 GAA — the kind of pedigree this young team has lacked for years. The Senators’ issue hasn’t been possession but finishing; they’ll look to clean that up against a Sabres defense that’s been leaking goals early.
🦬 Buffalo Sabres Preview
The Sabres’ offense has been shockingly quiet — just two goals in three games. Their shooting percentage (2.3%) ranks dead last in the NHL, though their expected goals suggest bad puck luck more than structural failure.
Buffalo still has elite talent up front: Tage Thompson (44G last season), Alex Tuch (35G), and Rasmus Dahlin (67 points from the blue line). If they can get rolling on the man advantage (currently 0-for-11), the floodgates could open soon.
Goaltender Alex Lyon is expected to start; he’s a streaky netminder (career .902 SV%) but can steal a game when hot. The Sabres’ PK has quietly been perfect (11-for-11), which they’ll need to stay sharp against Ottawa’s aggressive PP unit.
🚑 Injury Report
| Team | Player | Status |
| Senators | None reported | — |
| Sabres | Jack Quinn | Out (lower body) |
| Eric Comrie | Day-to-day (illness) |
🔥 Key Players to Watch
| Player | Team | 2024–25 Stats |
| Tim Stützle (C) | OTT | 24 G / 55 A / 79 PTS |
| Brady Tkachuk (LW) | OTT | 29 G / 24 A / 53 PTS |
| Drake Batherson (RW) | OTT | 26 G / 42 A / 68 PTS |
| Tage Thompson (C) | BUF | 44 G / 28 A / 72 PTS |
| Alex Tuch (RW) | BUF | 35 G / 31 A / 66 PTS |
| Rasmus Dahlin (D) | BUF | 17 G / 50 A / 67 PTS |
🎯 Prop Bets We Like
| Prop Bet | Pick | Reasoning |
| Tim Stützle Anytime Goal (+180) | ✅ Yes | High-volume shooter (32 SOG through 3 games), PP1 anchor. |
| Tage Thompson Over 0.5 Points (-140) | ✅ Over | Team leader in xG; top-line minutes guarantee chances. |
| Brady Tkachuk Over 3.5 Shots (-120) | ✅ Over | Physical forward facing poor Buffalo D-zone coverage. |
| Alex Tuch Anytime Goal (+260) | 🔥 Value | Buffalo due for regression; Tuch thrives off rebound chaos. |
| Goal in 1st 10 Minutes — Yes (-115) | ✅ Yes | Both defenses underperforming early; early PP likely. |
💵 ClutchBuzz Same-Game Parlay
| Leg | Pick |
| Senators ML (-150) | Safer base pick |
| Over 6 Goals (-120) | Historical + early defensive trends |
| Thompson 1+ Point | Line-driving presence |
| Stützle Anytime Goal | Ottawa’s top finisher |
| Est. Return | +550 to +700 range |
🏁 Final ClutchBuzz Prediction
| Category | Pick |
| Moneyline | Ottawa Senators (-150) |
| Puck Line | Senators -1.5 (+205) |
| Total | Over 6 (-120) |
| Final Score Prediction | Senators 4 – Sabres 2 |
| Confidence Level | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
Ottawa’s possession game and Ullmark’s goaltending should control this one, while Buffalo’s scoring funk lingers. Expect the Sens’ PP to capitalize against a Sabres team that’s winless and searching for identity. Still, the Over 6 is the safer play, as both teams generate enough high-danger looks to break through late.
