The Buffalo Sabres may have a few players that fit exactly what the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking for at the trade deadline.

Pittsburgh Penguins face hurdles, Buffalo Sabres rise. Detroit and Montreal excel, showcasing robust performances. Can the Penguins bounce back tonight?

The Pittsburgh Penguins (18-20-8) tanked their recent five-game homestand, winning only once. The resulting fallout was a drop in the standings behind six teams for a playoff spot, and general manager Kyle Dubas waived starting goalie Tristan Jarry.

Absent some long winning streak, the Sabres are toast. There have been 77 winning streaks in the NHL of at least five games since the last time the Sabres won even four in a row in January 2023.

BOTTOM LINE: The Pittsburgh Penguins, on a three-game losing streak, take on the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo has a 9-11-3 record at home and a 17-22-5 record overall. The Sabres have a -13 scoring differential, with 134 total goals scored and 147 allowed.

Entering a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins (18-20-8), the Buffalo Sabres (17-22-5) currently are monitoring two players on the injury report. The game starts at 7:00 PM ET on Friday, January 17 at KeyBank Center.

Prediction for the NHL-1 match between Buffalo vs Pittsburgh, which will take place on January 18th. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the teams' conditions! Several betting options are available.

The Buffalo Sabres (17-22-5) host the Pittsburgh Penguins (18-20-8) during Friday’s NHL schedule, starting at 7:00 PM ET at KeyBank Center and broadcast on ESPN+. The Sabres rank 16th in the Eastern Conference (39 points),

The Pittsburgh Penguins hit the road as they visit the Buffalo Sabres. It is time to continue our NHL odds series with a Penguins-Sabres prediction and pick. The Pittsburgh Penguins enter the game at 18-20-8 on the year,

On Oct. 16 in Pittsburgh the Sabres started the habit of getting and blowing leads. Buffalo had a 2-0 and 3-1 first period lead against the Penguins only to lose in overtime on a Sidney Crosby overtime goal.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are continuing to battle for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but likely will be sellers at the deadline.