NHL
TOP PICK
2026-01-17 · Morning Edition
WIN
Wild vs. Sabres
Wild +1.5
ANALYSIS
While Buffalo has won 13 of their last 15 games, their underlying metrics signal a massive regression is imminent as they are being outplayed with a subpar 47.37% CF and a league-high, unsustainable 11.30% shooting percentage. We expect the Wild to keep this within a goal or win outright behind goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (.921 SV%), who provides the stability needed to neutralize a Sabres offense currently missing key center Josh Norris.
Key Data
Wild: #7 in 5v5 Corsi-For % (54.4%); Sabres: unsustainable 12.1% Shooting Percentage vs. 2.8 xG mean.
OUTCOME
Minnesota Wild 5 - Buffalo Sabres 4
Graded from ESPN final score
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Full analysis and discussion of this pick in the 2026-01-17 morning edition.