The Chicago Blackhawks head into Buffalo with momentum and swagger, looking to extend their road win streak to four games. With Connor Bedard leading the charge and the team showing grit away from home, this matchup at KeyBank Center is a prime opportunity to keep climbing the standings.
🔥 Road Confidence vs. Home Inconsistency
Chicago enters with a 10-6-4 record, including a solid 5-3-2 mark on the road. After a narrow 3-2 loss to Seattle, the Hawks bounced back with tighter defensive play and smarter puck movement. Buffalo, meanwhile, sits at 7-9-4, having dropped a lopsided 6-2 game to Calgary and struggling to close out tight contests.
The Sabres are 6-4-2 at home, but their recent form—just 3 wins in their last 10—suggests vulnerability. They’ve been outscored in third periods, where Chicago has thrived thanks to Bedard’s clutch scoring and Tyler Bertuzzi’s net-front presence.
🔑 Key Players to Watch
- Connor Bedard: With 13 goals and 15 assists, Bedard is not just a Calder Trophy favorite—he’s the engine of Chicago’s offense. His ability to create space and finish under pressure will be critical against Buffalo’s shaky defense.
- Tyler Bertuzzi: Eight goals in his last 10 games, most coming from gritty rebounds and crease battles. His chemistry with Bedard and the second unit gives Chicago depth scoring Buffalo lacks.
- Tage Thompson & Josh Doan: Buffalo’s top threats. Thompson has six goals in his last 10, while Doan adds speed and creativity. But they’ve struggled against structured defenses like Chicago’s.
📊 Special Teams & Matchup Trends
Chicago ranks third in the NHL in penalty minutes per game (12.9)—a concern if discipline slips. Fortunately, the penalty kill has held firm, and Buffalo’s power play has been inconsistent.
The Blackhawks’ aggressive forecheck and transition game could exploit Buffalo’s defensive lapses, especially if the Sabres fail to clear the zone cleanly. Chicago’s speed and puck movement have historically overwhelmed Buffalo, winning four of the last six matchups.
🧠 Prediction: Blackhawks 4, Sabres 2
Chicago’s road confidence, Bedard’s elite playmaking, and Buffalo’s recent defensive breakdowns point to a Blackhawks win. Expect Bedard to notch at least a goal and an assist, with Bertuzzi crashing the crease for a gritty tally. The Sabres will push back, but Chicago’s structure and depth should carry them through.
Final Score Prediction: Blackhawks 4, Sabres 2
Betting-wise, Chicago offers value as a +156 underdog. With the over/under set at 6, and both teams trending toward high-scoring games, the over looks promising.
📅 Game Info
- Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Location: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
- Broadcast: ESPN+
Let´s go Hawks!