Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 03/12/26

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The Washington Capitals take on the surging Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night in the NHL. Part of a jam-packed slate of 14 games, these Eastern Conference foes meet for the second time this season after a 4-3 Sabres win in November. To get you set for the action ahead, here is our Capitals vs. Sabres prediction.

Buffalo has been one of the best storylines all season long. After continuous disappointment, the franchise is poised to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010-11. Not only that, but they are absolutely running through teams. I expect no different in this one. They have now won 8 straight games, scoring at an excellent clip at 4.50 goals per game. Their offense is one of the best in the league, with the 4th-best goals per game average (3.51), and a power play over 20%. Washington meanwhile has been quite bland, and are 1-4-0 in their last 5 games. Their struggling special teams could be a big issue for them in this game, as they own a bottom-5 power play percentage (16.7%) and have a middling penalty kill below 80%. Washington is also 12-15-4 on the road, showing struggles away from home. Buffalo is sneakily earning contender status, and has proven to be an elite team. For our Capitals vs. Sabres prediction, take Buffalo on the -1.5 puck line.

Capitals vs. Sabres prediction: Buffalo Sabres -1.5 (+120) available at time of publishing. Playable at that line to +100.