Matthew Tkachuk has hit the ground running this season, leading Florida in points and expected goals, while sitting second in shots over his first seven games.
My Sabres vs. Panthers predictions expect another active offensive performance from Tkachuk against Buffalo.
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Let’s break down my NHL picks for Monday, February 2.
Sabres vs Panthers prediction
Sabres vs Panthers best bet: Matthew Tkachuk Over 2.5 shots on goal (-155)
Matthew Tkachuk has shot the puck at a healthy clip since returning from injury, averaging 2.9 shots on target through seven games.
He has posted better numbers at home, where he attempted at least five shots in all three showings.
His outputs have also shown spikes following a day of rest. He has generated 3.8 shots per game through four games under those circumstances.
Tkachuk is at home and rested, and the matchup against the Buffalo Sabres doesn’t get much better.
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The Sabres are a high-event side that gives up a lot of shot volume. They’ve allowed the second-most shots to wingers over the past 10 games while playing at the sixth-highest pace.
This is a big pace-up spot for the Florida Panthers, who sit 31st in pace during that span. The Sabres should speed the Panthers up a bit, creating a better game environment for offense.
In an important inner-division clash against a team just ahead of the Panthers in the standings, Florida will be heavily reliant on its star winger to lead the charge.
Sabres vs Panthers same-game parlay
Tkachuk has only scored in one of his seven games this season, but he is getting a lot of looks around the net, and the Panthers are favorites in a game with a total of 6.5. This would be a good spot to get one.
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Carter Verhaeghe is playing on Tkachuk’s opposite wing, and the two are both featured on the No. 1 power play. Dating back to last year, Verhaeghe has 15 assists over his past 18 games with Tkachuk in the lineup.
Sabres vs Panthers SGP
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Matthew Tkachuk Over 2.5 shots on goal
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Matthew Tkachuk anytime goal
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Carter Verhaeghe Over 0.5 assists
Sabres vs Panthers odds
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Moneyline: Buffalo +115 | Florida -135
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Puck line: Buffalo +1.5 (-215) | Florida -1.5 (+175)
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Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+115) | Under 6.5 (-135)
Sabres vs Panthers trend
Matthew Tkachuk has averaged 4.5 shots on goal over his last eight games against Buffalo. Find more NHL betting trends for Sabres vs. Panthers.
How to watch Sabres vs Panthers
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Location |
Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL |
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Date |
Monday, February 2, 2026 |
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Puck drop |
7:00 p.m. ET |
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TV |
MSG-Buffalo, SCRIPPS |
Sabres vs Panthers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
