On Friday, the Chicago Blackhawks (12-21-2) face off against the Buffalo Sabres (12-19-4) at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Make sure you stay up to date with all the NHL action, with our expert NHL picks.

Buffalo comes into this matchup on a one-game winning streak, but has dropped four of their last five games. The Buffalo Sabres recently triumphed over the New York Islanders with a decisive 7-1 victory. In this match, Jack Quinn contributed significantly by scoring a goal and providing an assist. This season, Tage Thompson has emerged as a standout performer, leading the team in points with an impressive total of 26. Close behind him are Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka, who have each accumulated 25 points, tying as Buffalo's second-highest point scorers. Notably, Thompson also tops the team's goal-scoring chart, having netted 17 goals so far. Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power have been instrumental in setting up scoring opportunities, each recording 17 assists, making them the team's joint leaders in assists. Despite the team's recent success, the Sabres have faced some challenges, particularly in their defensive play, as they've conceded an average of 4.2 goals per game across their last five outings. This defensive struggle has contributed to their position at the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings. Nevertheless, Buffalo is eager to build on their recent win and develop a positive streak to reverse their fortunes after a tough period of losses. So far, the team averages 2.9 goals per game this season.

Chicago enters this game on a two-game losing streak, but has won three of their last five games. In a competitive match against Minnesota, the Chicago Blackhawks were narrowly defeated 4-3, but Connor Bedard managed to find the back of the net. This season, Bedard has been the top point scorer for the Blackhawks, amassing an impressive total of 30 points. Following him is Teuvo Teravainen, who ranks as the second-highest scorer on the team with 23 points accumulated this year. Ryan Donato stands out as the leading goal-scorer for Chicago, having netted 11 goals so far. Bedard also excels in playmaking, leading the team with 21 assists. Over their last five games, the Blackhawks have averaged 3.6 goals per game. However, they currently occupy last place in the Central Division standings. As the team prepares for their upcoming game against the Buffalo Sabres, they are eager to break their two-game losing streak and regain some momentum. On average, the Blackhawks score 2.6 goals per game this season.

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