Buffalo Sabres vs Pittsburgh Penguins — Qwen betting tip 01 October 2025.

The NHL preseason matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins presents an intriguing betting opportunity. Preseason games often feature experimental lineups, younger prospects, and veterans trying to prove their worth. These factors can make predicting outcomes more challenging than in regular-season games, but they also provide opportunities for savvy bettors who understand the nuances of roster dynamics and motivation levels.
Buffalo enters this game as a significant favorite with odds of 1.38, implying a strong likelihood of victory according to bookmakers. This heavy favoritism is likely due to their home-ice advantage and perhaps some standout performances by key players during training camp. However, it’s critical to remember that preseason games are less about wins and more about player evaluation. Coaches might prioritize giving ice time to rookies and fringe roster players over securing victories. The Sabres' odds suggest they have a 72.6% implied probability of winning based on the moneyline. While this seems favorable at first glance, the steep odds mean you’d need to risk $2.65 to win just $1, which isn’t ideal unless you're extremely confident in their dominance.
On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Penguins come in as underdogs with odds of 2.70. Historically, Pittsburgh has been one of the NHL's most consistent franchises, thanks largely to its veteran core and solid organizational depth. In preseason settings, though, their focus might shift toward developing younger talent rather than chasing wins. Still, the Penguins’ ability to field competitive lineups even in exhibition games cannot be underestimated. With these odds, a $1 bet would yield $2.70 if they pull off the upset—a much more appealing payout compared to backing Buffalo.
One key factor to consider is goaltending, which often plays an outsized role in determining outcomes, especially in low-stakes preseason contests. If either team decides to rest its starting goalie or relies heavily on backups, that could significantly impact performance. Additionally, special teams tend to be less refined early in the preseason, meaning power-play goals might occur less frequently. Both teams will likely showcase aggressive forechecking and high-tempo play to test their systems against live opponents.
Looking at recent trends, Buffalo has shown flashes of improvement over the past few seasons, bolstered by emerging stars like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin. Their home crowd at KeyBank Center may provide a slight psychological edge. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh continues to rely on Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, whose presence—even in limited minutes—can elevate the entire roster. That said, neither superstar is guaranteed to see extended action in this type of game, which could diminish Pittsburgh's chances further.
Ultimately, while Buffalo appears to be the safer pick given their status as favorites, the value lies squarely with Pittsburgh at 2.70. Betting on underdogs in preseason matchups can be highly profitable, particularly when the favorite's odds are so prohibitive. Considering the unpredictable nature of these games and the inflated odds offered for Pittsburgh, siding with the Penguins offers the best path to long-term profitability in this scenario.