Blackhawks vs. Sabres prediction favors Buffalo to win Saturday's NHL matchup [10/3/2026]

Using trusted machine learning and data analysis, we have re-simulated the outcome of Saturday's NHL matchup between the Blackhawks and Sabres, forming part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our independent predictive model gives the Sabres a 66.8% chance of defeating the Blackhawks. According to our model, the Blackhawks (+1.5) have a 55.1% chance of covering the puck line, while the 6.5-goal over/under has a 53.9% chance of staying under.

Latest betting odds

We have sourced the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

• Puck Line: Blackhawks +1.5 (-120) / Sabres -1.5 (+114)
• Moneyline: Blackhawks +195, Sabres -213
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (+105/-112)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Model picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

• Puck line: Blackhawks +1.5 @ -120 via BetMGM
• Moneyline: Blackhawks @ +195 via BetRivers
• Total: Under 6.5 @ -112 via FanDuel

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Under 6.5 total goals.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.

Blackhawks vs. Sabres player props

Who will score a goal in Blackhawks vs. Sabres?

According to our model, Tage Thompson is most likely to score an anytime goal in Blackhawks vs. Sabres.

Our projections give Thompson a 45.6% chance of scoring a goal at KeyBank Center, while the star is a 9.9% chance of netting the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Chicago Blackhawks

• Roman Kantserov: 31.5% probability
• Tyler Bertuzzi: 26.8% probability
• Patrick Kane: 24.9% probability
• Nick Lardis: 17.4% probability
• Frank Nazar: 16.4% probability

Buffalo Sabres

• Tage Thompson: 45.6% probability
• Josh Doan: 31.2% probability
• Josh Norris: 25.6% probability
• Jack Quinn: 24.1% probability
• Rasmus Dahlin: 21.7% probability

First goal scorer predictions

Chicago Blackhawks

• Roman Kantserov: 6.0% probability
• Tyler Bertuzzi: 5.6% probability
• Patrick Kane: 4.0% probability
• Frank Nazar: 3.3% probability
• Ryan Donato: 3.0% probability

Buffalo Sabres

• Tage Thompson: 9.9% probability
• Josh Doan: 5.9% probability
• Jack Quinn: 4.5% probability
• Josh Norris: 4.3% probability
• Zach Benson: 3.7% probability

Game info & puck drop details

Saturday's action between the Sabres and Blackhawks at KeyBank Center is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM ET.

• Who: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Buffalo Sabres
• Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
• Venue: KeyBank Center

Conclusion

We predict the Sabres, with a 66.8% win probability, will likely beat the Blackhawks in Saturday's NHL matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

This article's predictions and probabilities are generated by Dimers' proprietary NHL prediction model. Our editorial team reviews the resulting content for accuracy and presentation before publication.