| MATCHUP | Buffalo Sabres | New York Islanders |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 29-17-5 | 27-19-5 |
| Where | UBS Arena, Elmont, NY | |
| When | Saturday, January 24, 2026 | |
| Time | 01:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview
The Buffalo Sabres beat the Predators and Habs, and they play the Maple Leafs next. The Sabres have won 11 of their last 15 games.
The Buffalo Sabres are averaging 3.28 goals per game and are scoring 19 percent of their power play opportunities. Tage Thompson leads Buffalo with 26 goals, Rasmus Dahlin has 29 assists, and Alex Tuch has 117 shots on goal. Defensively, the Buffalo Sabres are allowing 3.1 goals per game and are killing 83.2 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Alex Lyon has given up 57 goals on 611 shots faced, and Colten Ellis has allowed 32 goals on 314 shots.
New York Islanders Betting Preview
The New York Islanders beat the Canucks, lost to the Kraken, and they play the Flyers next. The Islanders have split their last 10 games.
The New York Islanders are averaging 2.84 goals per game and are scoring 15.9 percent of their power play opportunities. Bo Horvat leads New York with 21 goals, Mathew Barzal has 30 assists and Matthew Schaefer has 124 shots on goal. Defensively, the New York Islanders are allowing 2.72 goals per game and are killing 82.1 percent of their opponent’s power plays. David Rittich has allowed 50 goals on 530 shots faced, and Ilya Sorokin has given up 75 goals on 869 shots.
Why the New York Islanders will win
- The Islanders have won eight of their last nine games following a road loss.
- The Sabres have lost each of their last three day games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Islanders have covered the puck line in eight of their last nine games against opponents on a winning streak.
- The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in three of their last four day games.
- The Islanders have won the third period in five of their last six games against Eastern Conference opponents.
Why the Buffalo Sabres will win
- The Sabres have won seven of their last eight games as underdogs.
- The Islanders have lost each of their last three games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Sabres have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games as road underdogs.
- The Islanders have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last seven games as favorites following a road loss.
- The Sabres have won the second period in six of their last seven games when trailing after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Sabres’ last five day games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Five of the Islanders’ last six day games against Atlantic Division opponents at UBS Arena have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Sabres’ last five games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Islanders’ last four games as home favorites.
New York Islanders Player Prop Facts
- Anders Lee has scored at least one goal in each of the Islanders’ last three games as home favorites.
- Calum Ritchie has recorded an assist in each of the Islanders’ last four games.
- Emil Heineman has recorded 10 shots against the Sabres this season – most against any opponent.
Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts
- Peyton Krebs has scored a goal in three of the Sabres’ last four games.
- Jason Zucker has recorded an assist in five of his last six appearances with the Sabres as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Tage Thompson is one of only three players in the league to have recorded 5+ shots in five or more consecutive appearances this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The New York Islanders have recorded the equal-most wins when trailing after Period 1 this season (7).
- The New York Islanders have recorded the equal-most wins when tied or trailing after Period 2 this season (14).
- The Buffalo Sabres have recorded the equal-longest road winning streak (7 games) in the NHL this season.
- The Buffalo Sabres have recorded the equal-longest road winning streak (7 games) in the NHL this season (including playoffs).
Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders Prediction
The Sabres and Islanders are two teams that have let me down over the years. The second I start to believe, all hell breaks loose. With that said, both teams are playing good hockey over the last month or so. The Islanders should have the edge at home with the early start time, but the Sabres have been sharper at finishing games as of late. The Sabres will also have the confidence edge after beating the Islanders in overtime a month ago. I’ll take a stab with the Sabres on the road given their slightly hotter form as of late.