{"id":484403,"date":"2026-03-03T10:43:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T15:43:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=484403"},"modified":"2026-03-03T10:43:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T15:43:10","slug":"nhl-predictions-march-3-vegas-golden-knights-vs-buffalo-sabres","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/03\/nhl-predictions-march-3-vegas-golden-knights-vs-buffalo-sabres\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: March 3 Vegas Golden Knights vs Buffalo Sabres"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span>Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0<\/span><em>Last Word On Hockey<\/em><span> look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Vegas Golden Knights taking on the Buffalo Sabres<\/span><span>. Don\u2019t forget to check out more\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/nhl-predictions\/\" target=\"_self\">NHL Predictions<\/a>, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h2>Vegas Golden Knights vs Buffalo Sabres<\/h2>\n<h3>2024-25 Season Series: Golden Knights 1-1 Sabres<\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a>:<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>US TV: MSG Buffalo; Scripps Vegas; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet+.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Time:<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\/32078\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Our first<\/a> and featured game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/01\/nhl-predictions-pittsburgh-penguins\/\" target=\"_self\">Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> meeting the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/02\/28\/nhl-predictions-tampa-bay-lightning-buffalo-sabres-february-28\/\" target=\"_self\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a> for the first time this season. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hillad01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adin Hill<\/a> is the expected starter for the Golden Knights but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Vegas is 3-5-2 in its last 10 games, including two straight losses entering this matchup. Former Sabres number two pick <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/eicheja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Eichel<\/a> is first in assists (47) and points (68).<\/p>\n<p><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lyonal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Lyon<\/a> is the likely starter for the Sabres, who are 7-2-1 in their previous 100 games. This includes three consecutive wins entering this game. Buffalo is heading into the month of March with a realistic shot of ending its long Stanley Cup Playoff drought. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thompta01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tage Thompson<\/a> is first on the team in goals (32), assists (31), and points (63) for the Sabres.<\/p>\n<p>Vegas is a solid team that&#8217;s going through a tough patch. However, Buffalo has been feeling the momentum as of late.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Sabres win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"bYS0o1O1TnVm98DMqu_OFw\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2248283754\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'bYS0o1O1TnVm98DMqu_OFw',sig:'nz_vW_f94ELZNDKnxy3W7QKdsH8BQh5L3C1SRUuhEiY=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2248283754',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>Florida Panthers vs New Jersey Devils<\/h2>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Panthers 1-1 Devils<\/h3>\n<h3>How to Watch:<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>US TV: HBO Max; TNT; TruTV; Scripps Florida; HBO Max. Canada TV: Sportsnet+.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Time:<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our second game of NHL predictions as the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/02\/26\/nhl-rumours-panthers-in-limbo-bobrovsky\/\" target=\"_self\">Florida Panthers<\/a> trying to stop a two-game losing streak against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/11\/nhl-rumours-latest-on-new-jersey-devils-defenceman\/\" target=\"_self\">New Jersey Devils<\/a>. <span><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bobrose01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a> is probable starter for Florida, which has lost seven of its last 10 games. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tkachma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matthew Tkachuk<\/a> has come back from the injured list with seven points in his previous 10 games.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/allenja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Allen<\/a> is the projected starter for the Devils, who are also falling short of preseason expectations. New Jersey is also 3-7 in its last 10 games but did get a victory in its last outing. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hischni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nico Hischier<\/a> and <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/brattje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jesper Bratt<\/a> are tied for the team&#8217;s lead in points with 43.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams have struggled so far this campaign and could miss the playoffs. However, Florida gets two critical points.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Panthers win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"5uWbnpM0RzNWHDSjVBlJOQ\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2202599077\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'5uWbnpM0RzNWHDSjVBlJOQ',sig:'xQe2hVyyFCH6jgx9PaXRkDLAsL9WvP3uyTcT4I3FrPo=',w:'594px',h:'424px',items:'2202599077',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>Montreal Canadiens vs San Jose Sharks<\/h2>\n<h3>2024-25 Season Series: Canadiens 2-0 Sharks<\/h3>\n<h3>How to Watch:<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>US TV: NBC Sports California; ESPN+. Canada TV: TSN2; RDS.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Time:<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>10:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our last game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/02\/27\/nhl-rumours-montreal-canadiens-exploring-trade-options-for-forward\/\" target=\"_self\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a> making the trip out west to visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/02\/28\/nhl-rumours-san-jose-sharks-defence-trade-deadline-plans\/\" target=\"_self\">San Jose Sharks<\/a>. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/dobesja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jakub Dobes<\/a> is the expected starter for the Habs, who are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. Montreal is led by <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/caufico01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cole Caufield<\/a>, who has 35 goals so far this campaign.<\/p>\n<p><span><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/askarya01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Yaroslav Askarov<\/a> is the probable starter for the Sharks, who are 4-5-1 in the previous 10 games. However, San Jose has won its last two games entering this matchup. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/celebma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Macklin Celebrini<\/a> is putting together a strong second season with 29 goals and 54 assists for 83 points.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Both teams have some dynamic scorers. However, Montreal should be pick up the win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Canadiens win 5-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Best Bets<\/h3>\n<p>We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let&#8217;s go back to our featured game for our preferred props. The over\/under for the Golden Knights versus the Sabres is 6.5, and we like the over in this game.<\/p>\n<p>As for individual props take, Pavel <span>Dorofeyev to score a goal for Vegas. On the Buffalo side of things, take <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tuchal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-03-03_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Tuch<\/a> to get at least a point.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Vegas Golden Knights taking on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":461162,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4524,3,4547,4548,807],"tags":[6254,6255,6016,6079,6060,6019],"class_list":["post-484403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-sabres","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-vegas-golden-knights","tag-buffalo-sabres-predictions","tag-florida-panthers-predictions","tag-montreal-canadiens-predictions","tag-new-jersey-devils-predictions","tag-san-jose-sharks-predictions","tag-vegas-golden-knights-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/484403","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=484403"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/484403\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":484408,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/484403\/revisions\/484408"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/461162"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=484403"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=484403"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=484403"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}