Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, here at Last Word on Hockey, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games. For this edition, we take a closer look at the Philadelphia Flyers taking on the Buffalo Sabres.
NHL Predictions January 14th Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres
Season Series 2025-26: Philadelphia 1-1-0, Buffalo 1-1-0
How to Watch: TNT, truTV, HBO MAX, TVAS, SN+
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Location: KeyBank Arena in Buffalo, New York
Flyers’ Storylines
It was a humbling weekend for the Flyers, who were out-scored by the Tampa Bay Lightning, 12-3, in a pair of games on home ice. It marked the first time the Flyers have lost back-to-back games in regulation since Nov. 1 and 2.
The Flyers have only lost three games in a row once this season, a series of overtime losses in mid-December. They have yet to lose three straight games in regulation. It’s been a key to remaining in the playoff race.
The Flyers should have some reinforcements returning. Travis Konecny was back in the lineup on Monday after missing Saturday’s game. Bobby Brink and Jamie Drysdale could be in line to return after missing the last three games.
Dan Vlader is expected to get the start for the Flyers. He’s posted a 16-7-4 record this season with a 2.42 goals against average and a .907 save percentage.
Head coach Rick Tocchet met with the media following Tuesday’s practice at @FlyersTCenter. #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/BVPIjuixPR
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 13, 2026
Sabres’ Storylines
Monday night marked a recent rarity for the Sabres. They lost.
Buffalo’s stunning turnaround, winning 13 of the previous 14 games going into Monday, has put them right back in the thick of the playoff hunt. They are currently enjoying a five-game homestand, where the Sabres have a 14-6-2 record this season.
One of the main reasons for the turnaround has been the strong play of Tage Thompson. Thompson has 10 goals and 20 points in his last 16 games, nearly half of his production for the season. Bowen Byram has been outstanding as well, with 12 points in the last 10 games.
Expect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to get the start tonight for the Sabres. Luukkonen has a record of 9-6-1 with a goals against average of 2.63 and a save percentage of .903 this season.
Wait for it…wait for it…
THERE IT IS pic.twitter.com/EbahQCRnI4
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 11, 2026
Prediction and Best Bets
Prediction: Flyers 4, Sabres 3 (SO)
The Sabres have been red hot since Dec. 9, a 13-2-0 stretch that included a win over the Flyers on Dec. 18. They have played with a desperation that has put them among the wildcard teams again. The Flyers should have that desperation as well, after two lacklustre games on home ice. Expect a close game that comes down to the wire, requiring a shootout to decide things.
For best bets for the Flyers, take Noah Cates for an anytime goal. Cates has six goals and 13 points in 13 career games against the Sabres, including two this season.
For the Sabres, get in on Tage Thompson for an anytime goal. Thompson has nine career goals against the Flyers.
Main Photo: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images