The big picture

Chicago Blackhawks come in 32nd on the ladder; Buffalo Sabres are 22nd. Buffalo Sabres are the side higher up the table.

Chicago Blackhawks are 6–15 in NHL 2026-27, averaging 2.2 goals for and 3.6 against.

Buffalo Sabres are 9–11 in NHL 2026-27, averaging 2.9 goals for and 3.2 against.

Form

Chicago Blackhawks have won zero of their last five and most recently lost to Tampa Bay Lightning 1–4.

Buffalo Sabres have won four of their last five and most recently beat Columbus Blue Jackets 5–2.

Chicago Blackhawks have lost their last five.

Head to head

These sides have met 16 times on our records since 2017: Chicago Blackhawks 5, Buffalo Sabres 11.

Last time out (2026-27), Buffalo Sabres won 4–3 at KeyBank Center.

Buffalo Sabres have won the last seven against Chicago Blackhawks.

Biggest margin between these two: Buffalo Sabres by 6 goals in 2025-26 (9–3).

Players to watch

For Chicago Blackhawks, watch Roman Kantserov (0.5 goals a game, 3 assists in 2026-27) and Frank Nazar (0.3 goals a game, 2 assists in 2026-27).

For Buffalo Sabres, watch Tage Thompson (0.6 goals a game, 10 assists in 2026-27) and Jack Quinn (0.5 goals a game, 8 assists in 2026-27).

At United Center

Chicago Blackhawks have won 8 of their last 20 at United Center.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder and history, Buffalo Sabres go in as clear favourites.