The Eastern Conference's fourth-ranked squad, the Tampa Bay Lightning (44-26-5), visit the 15th-ranked unit from the Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres (32-36-6), on Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

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Before this matchup, here is who we project to emerge victorious in Saturday's hockey action.

The Sabres have gone 7-3-0 in their past 10 contests, scoring 41 goals while conceding 33 in that period. On 29 power-play opportunities during that time, they have scored eight goals (27.6%).

Lightning vs. Sabres Predictions for Saturday

Our computer projection model for this contest predicts a final score of Lightning 4, Sabres 3.

Moneyline Pick: Lightning (-155)
Total Pick: No Pick - Predicted Margin Negligible
Spread Pick: Sabres (+1.5)

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Lightning Splits and Trends

The Lightning are 6-5-11 in overtime matchups as part of a 44-26-5 overall record.
Tampa Bay has 19 points (8-9-3) in the 20 games it has played that were decided by one goal.
In the nine games this season the Lightning registered just one goal, they finished 0-8-1.
Tampa Bay has scored a pair of goals in 13 games this season (2-9-2 record, six points).
The Lightning have scored three or more goals 51 times, and are 42-7-2 in those games (to register 86 points).
In the 29 games when Tampa Bay has capitalized on a lone power-play goal, it went 20-8-1 to record 41 points.
When it has outshot its opponent, Tampa Bay is 23-16-0 (46 points).
The Lightning's opponents have had more shots in 32 games. The Lightning went 20-7-5 in those contests (45 points).

Sabres Splits and Trends

The Sabres have posted a record of 6-6-12 in overtime games to contribute to an overall mark of 32-36-6.
Buffalo has earned 27 points (11-7-5) in its 23 games decided by one goal.
This season the Sabres scored only one goal in nine games and they've earned two points (1-8-0) in those contests.
When Buffalo has scored two goals this season, they've earned three points (1-14-1 record).
The Sabres have earned 65 points in their 46 games with three or more goals scored.
This season, Buffalo has scored a single power-play goal in 29 games has a record of 11-17-1 in those matchups.
When outshooting its opponent this season, Buffalo is 12-13-2 (26 points).
The Sabres have been outshot by opponents 46 times this season, and earned 44 points in those games.

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Team Stats Comparison

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