Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Prediction for Wednesday October 21, 2026
The Philadelphia Flyers will be on the road Wednesday night for an Eastern Conference matchup against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM, with coverage available on TNT. Philadelphia comes into this game having issues this year at 2-6-3, but they ride a 2-game winning streak into Wednesday following a 1-goal home win over Colorado last time out. The Buffalo Sabres return home Wednesday 4-3-2 this year, having dropped 3 of their last 5. Buffalo comes into Wednesday as a -185 home favorite. Philadelphia is a +154, and the total is 5.5. Stay in the news with our NHL Picks.
Philadelphia tries to extend their streak
The Philadelphia offense has been below average this season, averaging just 1.55 goals on 21.5 shots per game, though they have scored three goals in each of their last two wins. Defensively, Philadelphia has had their issues as well, allowing 3.18 goals on 32.3 shots, but they've given up 3 total goals during their current 2-game winning streak. Matvei Michkov is leading the Philadelphia offense this season with 7 points, and he has boasted a team-high six goals. Trevor Zegras is tied for the top spot on the roster as he has also scored 7 points this year and leads the team with five assists. Christian Dvorak is 2nd on the team with 4 points, and Sean Couturier is one of two players on the roster having scored three points this season.
Joseph Woll did just enough for Philadelphia last time out, giving up two goals on 26 shots to post a .923 save percentage in 60 minutes on the ice. Matvei Michkov led the Philadelphia scoring last time out with two goals on two shots in just over 14.5 minutes. Noel Acciari chipped in as well with one goal in the game. Trevor Zegras added to the offense with three assists against Colorado.
Key Injury Report for Philadelphia:
- Tyson Forester (Day-to-Day) - Oct 21
- Owen Tippett (IR) - Oct 24
- Cam York (IR) - Oct 24
- Rasmus Ristolainen (IR) - Oct 24
- Travis Konecny (IR) - Oct 24
Buffalo looks to lean on the home ice
The Buffalo Sabres offense has been solid enough, averaging three goals on 26.8 shots per game. Defensively, Buffalo has had their troubles, giving up 3.67 goals on 25.7 shots per game, and they've given up four goals in each of their last three losses. Tage Thompson is carrying the Buffalo offense this season, leading the team with 9 points and five goals. Jack Quinn has also scored nine points this season. Owen Power is second on the roster with eight points, and he leads the team with six assists.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was terrible for Buffalo in their last outing, giving up four goals and 34 shots to post an .882 save percentage in the game. Tage Thompson, Jack Quinn, and Josh Norris all led the way for the Buffalo offense in their last outing, scoring one goal each. Buffalo also got assists from 5 different players against Montreal.
Key Injury Report for Buffalo:
- Jason Zucker (IR) - Oct 21
- Justin Danforth (Day-To-Day) - Oct 21
- Rasmus Dahlin (Day-To-Day) - Oct 21
- Alex Lyon (IR) - Oct 24
- Matt Grzelcyk (IR) -Oct 24
Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Prediction
Pick: Buffalo Sabres -1.5
Buffalo should have the advantage Wednesday night against a Philadelphia team that has struggled to find success early in the season. The Sabres have the offensive weapons necessary to create problems for the Flyers, particularly with Tage Thompson leading an attack capable of generating quality scoring opportunities from the perimeter and around the net. Philadelphia will need to improve its defensive positioning and avoid allowing Buffalo to establish sustained pressure in the offensive zone. The Flyers have experienced difficulty maintaining consistency throughout games, and those struggles could become even more noticeable against a Buffalo team that can capitalize on defensive mistakes. Playing at home should also benefit the Sabres, who will look to establish their offensive rhythm early. Expect Buffalo to control extended stretches of the game and come away with the victory as they end the Philadelphia winning streak, with the Sabres getting the home win and cover.
Pick: Over 5.5
Philadelphia's defensive struggles could create plenty of scoring opportunities for Buffalo in Wednesday night's matchup. The Sabres have several dangerous offensive players capable of taking advantage of defensive breakdowns, and Philadelphia has experienced difficulty preventing opposing teams from generating quality chances. Buffalo should be able to establish pressure around the Flyers net while creating additional opportunities through its transition game. Philadelphia will also need to become more aggressive offensively if the Sabres establish an early lead, potentially opening the game up for scoring opportunities at both ends of the ice. The Flyers have enough offensive talent to contribute to the scoring, particularly if Buffalo becomes careless with the puck in its defensive zone. Look for an active offensive matchup with enough scoring chances to push the game over the total.