Buffalo Sabres vs Los Angeles Kings Picks and Predictions for Saturday, October 31, 2026

Buffalo's trip through California has produced two wins and plenty of goals. The Sabres were winners over Anaheim 7-6 on Thursday, moving to 15 points (6-4-3) and seventh in the Atlantic Division. Los Angeles saw plenty of goals as well, needing overtime to beat Ottawa 6-5. The Kings are on 10 points (4-6-2), seventh in the Pacific Division, and have won three of the last five. Saturday, the two meet on LA’s home ice at crypto.com Arena for a 4:00 pm ET start on ESPN+. Find more weekend winners with our free NHL picks. 

Buffalo Sabres Have Work to Do Defensively

The Sabres shut out San Jose 2-0 on Tuesday, then found themselves in a 13-goal contest at Anaheim two nights later. Buffalo survived that one 7-6, collecting another road victory but giving its coaches plenty to address before facing Los Angeles. The Sabres had previously lost three straight, including overtime defeats at Washington and Montreal. Winning twice in California has changed the direction of the trip, although Thursday raised questions about Buffalo's ability to protect a lead.

Tage Thompson is Buffalo's leading scorer with eight goals and 15 points. Zach Benson has been particularly useful setting up teammates, recording nine assists, while Jack Quinn has added seven goals. The Sabres score 3.08 goals per game but surrender 3.54, a gap that explains their uneven record. Colten Ellis has three victories and a 2.28 goals-against average, including a shutout. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen also has three wins, although he's allowing 3.56 goals per appearance. Buffalo needs stronger support around its goaltenders after Thursday's defensive problems.

Injuries: Justin Danforth, Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, Alex Lyon and Matt Grzelcyk are out.

Los Angeles Kings Looking for More Consistency

It's been a strange week for Los Angeles. The Kings scored six goals against the Rangers on Monday, but only one in a loss at Chicago on Tuesday, then scored six more against Ottawa on Thursday. The Senators refused to go away, forcing overtime before Los Angeles finally secured a 6-5 victory. Earlier in the trip, the Kings were beaten on the road by New Jersey 3-1 but were a 3-4 OT winner against the Islanders. Those results have helped Los Angeles collect points, although the team still has plenty to improve with only one home victory this season.

Artemi Panarin gives the Kings a reliable scoring threat, with eight goals and 13 points. Alex Laferriere has seven assists, but Los Angeles needs more consistent finishing from its other forwards. The situation in goal is also worth watching. Darcy Kuemper has handled most of the victories, winning four games despite some difficult outings. Anton Forsberg hasn't enjoyed the same results, even though his goals-against average is considerably lower. Against a Buffalo team that just scored seven in Anaheim, Los Angeles will have to be much more careful about the chances it allows.

Injuries: Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Fiala, Alex Turcotte and Jakub Dvorak are out. Brandt Clarke is day-to-day.

Key To The Game

Both clubs were involved in wild finishes Thursday, and neither defense can afford another loose performance. Thompson and Quinn give Buffalo two dangerous finishers, while Panarin has been Los Angeles' most reliable scorer. Goaltending could decide the afternoon. Ellis offers Buffalo a better recent goals-against average than Luukkonen, while Forsberg has stronger numbers than Kuemper. Special teams are another concern. Buffalo has killed only 67.4% of opposing power plays, and Los Angeles is even lower at 64.9%. Discipline will matter.

Buffalo Sabres vs Los Angeles Kings Game Pick

• Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo has shown improvement on this road trip, following a shutout in San Jose with seven goals against Anaheim. The Sabres haven't been convincing defensively, but neither has Los Angeles. The Kings have struggled at home and remain vulnerable when opponents generate sustained pressure. Thompson gives Buffalo a dangerous scoring option, and Ellis could provide an advantage in goal. Panarin should create problems for the visitors, particularly on the power play. Still, Buffalo's recent results offer enough encouragement. I'm taking the Sabres to win.

Buffalo Sabres vs Los Angeles Kings Over/Under Pick

• Over

It's difficult to overlook the defensive problems on both sides. Buffalo allowed six goals Thursday, while Los Angeles surrendered five against Ottawa. The Sabres have reached seven goals themselves, and the Kings scored six in their latest victory. Neither team's penalty kill has performed well, creating another opportunity for scoring. Goaltending remains uncertain, with both clubs having experienced inconsistent performances. Thompson and Panarin are capable of changing a game quickly, and the recent results suggest neither defense is particularly secure. Over is my pick.