Stars vs. Sabres prediction favors Buffalo to win Thursday's NHL matchup [10/8/2026]

Using powerful machine learning and data analysis, we have re-simulated the outcome of Thursday's NHL game between the Stars and Sabres, forming part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our famous predictive model currently gives the Sabres a 50.4% chance of beating the Stars. According to our model, the Sabres (+1.5) have a 71.6% chance of covering the puck line, while the 6-goal over/under has a 51.4% chance of staying under.

Latest betting odds

We have researched the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

• Puck Line: Stars -1.5 (+220) / Sabres +1.5 (-225)
• Moneyline: Stars -114, Sabres +105
• Total: Over/Under 6 (-113/-105)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Model picks and best bet

After matching our probabilities against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

• Puck line: Sabres +1.5 @ -225 via BetMGM
• Moneyline: Sabres @ +105 via BetMGM
• Total: Under 6 @ -105 via BetMGM

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Sabres +1.5 at the spread.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.

Stars vs. Sabres player props

Who will score a goal in Stars vs. Sabres?

According to our model, Tage Thompson is most likely to score an anytime goal in Stars vs. Sabres.

Our projections give Thompson a 40.8% chance of scoring a goal at KeyBank Center, while the star is an 8.0% chance of netting the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Dallas Stars

• Wyatt Johnston: 38.7% probability
• Jason Robertson: 35.3% probability
• Mikko Rantanen: 32.0% probability
• Roope Hintz: 21.9% probability
• Tyler Seguin: 18.6% probability

Buffalo Sabres

• Tage Thompson: 40.8% probability
• Josh Doan: 28.7% probability
• Jack Quinn: 27.1% probability
• Rasmus Dahlin: 21.5% probability
• Josh Norris: 20.3% probability

First goal scorer predictions

Dallas Stars

• Wyatt Johnston: 8.3% probability
• Jason Robertson: 7.1% probability
• Mikko Rantanen: 6.1% probability
• Roope Hintz: 4.0% probability
• Tyler Seguin: 3.1% probability

Buffalo Sabres

• Tage Thompson: 8.0% probability
• Josh Doan: 5.5% probability
• Jack Quinn: 5.2% probability
• Rasmus Dahlin: 4.0% probability
• Josh Norris: 3.6% probability

Game info & puck drop details

Thursday's matchup between the Sabres and Stars at KeyBank Center is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM ET.

• Who: Dallas Stars vs. Buffalo Sabres
• Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
• Venue: KeyBank Center

Conclusion

We predict the Sabres, with a 50.4% win probability, will likely beat the Stars in Thursday's NHL matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

This article's predictions and probabilities are generated by Dimers' proprietary NHL prediction model. Our editorial team reviews the resulting content for accuracy and presentation before publication.