Buffalo Sabres

Ice Hockey NHL UBS Arena Sat 24 Jan 14:00

New York Islanders

  1. Prediction
  2. SGP Picks
  3. Correct Score
  4. Odds
  5. Team Stats
  6. Player Stats
  7. Player Props
  8. Team News
  9. Lineups
  10. Injuries
  11. Roster
  12. Standings

NHL Betting Preview: Sabres vs Islanders

The Buffalo Sabres go up against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena, with face-off scheduled for 14:00 on Saturday, January 24.

Sabres Look Set for Victory

The prediction is to back the Sabres at odds of +102. We think that the Islanders are massively opposable, so this is the best angle of attack with our bet.

Previous H2H Was Sabres Shootout Win

Buffalo Sabres won their previous game 4-2. This road victory at Bell Centre against Montreal Canadiens was their second on the spin. Jason Zucker found the net along with three other players. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 32 shots (.941).

New York Islanders have enjoyed two home wins in a row. They were defeated in their last game when losing 4-1 on the road against Seattle Kraken. Islanders managed 25 shots and Anthony Duclair recorded the only goal.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Sabres have beaten the Islanders in the last two encounters. They won 7-1 at UBS Arena and triumphed 3-2 (SO) at KeyBank Center. The Sabres have triumphed in six of the previous 10 clashes between these teams.

Starting Goalies

Alex Lyon (Confirmed)
Season W-L-OTL: GAA: SV%: SO:
24/25 20-8-4 2.7 .911 3
23/24 21-18-4 3.05 .904 2
David Rittich (Confirmed)
Season W-L-OTL: GAA: SV%: SO:
24/25 14-9-3 2.8 .895 2
23/24 13-6-1 2.15 .921 3
Buffalo Sabres – Last 10 Games

7 wins, 2 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 4.2 goals from 23.0 shots on goal, with a 15.8% powerplay efficiency. The Sabres have been giving up 2.9 goals from 31.5 shots, averaging 4.0 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 82.5%.

Tage Thompson is the top points scorer with 15 points, 6 goals and 9 assists, with Ryan McLeod recording 10 points, 4 goals and 6 assists, over the last 10 games. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have a 2.84 goal against average with a .912 save percentage.

New York Islanders – Last 10 Games

The Islanders have 5 wins, 4 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 3.2 goals from 26.2 shots on goal, with a 14.3% powerplay efficiency. They have conceded 3.0 goals from 28.2 shots, averaging 3.2 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 84.4%.

The top points scorer is Mathew Barzal with 11 points, 1 goal and 10 assists, while Anthony Duclair is next in line after having 10 points, 8 goals and 2 assists. Goalie Ilya Sorokin have a 2.36 GAA with a .927 SV%, including two shutouts.

Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders Prediction & Picks

We’ve got your Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders bets covered, including our expert match prediction, top correct score pick, must-see player props and a tailored bet builder built for value.

Game Prediction

For this NHL encounter, we are going to bet against the home team with our pick. One way of doing this is by siding with Buffalo Sabres and we really like the +102 about the visitors winning on the Moneyline.

Knowing which players are injured gives us a valuable edge when putting together hockey forecasts. After reviewing the form guide, we turn to the latest stats to shape our NHL predictions.

Key Sabres vs Islanders stats:

  • Sabres have won 8 of their last 10 games on the road.
  • Sabres have won 16 of their last 20 games.
  • Sabres have won 2 consecutive games.
  • Islanders have lost 3 of their last 5 games.
  • Islanders have lost their last 2 games against Sabres.

Sabres Moneyline Probability

If you go by the top NHL betting sites, our pick has a 49.5% chance of delivering a return. Taking all factors into consideration, our analysts think there’s a stronger chance of success and have a probability interval between 55-60%. That means we’re regarding it as a value bet.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

There’s the opportunity to back Buffalo at bigger odds on the Puck Line. The sportsbooks will create a series of lines and you can choose the one that makes the most appeal.

Make smarter wagers by browsing today’s best betting offers, complete with promos, free bets, and welcome bonuses.

Our Game Prediction
Sabres Moneyline @ +102 Bet Now BetMGM logo
BetMGM logo
BetMGM Promo Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Get Bonus T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+
Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Jan 23, 18:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 18:56, 23 January 2026

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Mathew Barzal Over 1.5 Shots -200 BetMGM logo

Mathew Barzal (Islanders) has finished with Over 1.5 shots on goal in 8 of the past 10 games. He should be capable of covering the line when it comes to this player prop and odds of -200 are now available.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Same Game Parlay Picks

Moneyline Sabres
To Score Tage Thompson
Shots on Goal Mathew Barzal Over 1.5

We’ve got a same game parlay with three options: the Sabres on the moneyline, Tage Thompson (Sabres) to be among the scorers and Mathew Barzal (Islanders) to have Over 1.5 shots.

A same game parlay is a single event wager where you make predictions that are going to happen in a particular hockey game. Should a bettor get these selections correct, then they can achieve a good return from a small stake.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

Books Expecting Close Encounter

This could be a close-run game according to the sportsbooks. New York Islanders are trading at -110 and the same Moneyline odds are available for Buffalo Sabres. It’s down to the bettors to decide which is a more attractive proposition.

The puck line is 1.5, with the total goals line at 6.5. There is no denying the popularity of wagering on Totals. The Over 6.5 selection is available to back at -106.

The best betting apps provide an extensive range of team props and game lines for every National Hockey League matchup. Take the time to explore all your options before placing your bet to ensure you find the best value.

Player Props & Micro Betting

Player prop bets don’t involve betting on a team to win and instead might look at a player’s individual performance. For example, the number of Goals they might score or the number of Shots they might have.

An increasing number of bettors are now enjoying micro betting on the NHL and it’s something which is available on an in-game basis. Wait for the action to start and then wager on something specific to happen.

Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Best Betting Offers
Team Stats

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Buffalo Sabres logo Buffalo Sabres Stats
New York Islanders logo New York Islanders Stats
Moneyline
  • 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
Moneyline
  • 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 home games
Puck Line
Puck Line
Total Goals
Total Goals
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team News
# Player GP MIN G A P +/-
72 Tage Thompson 50 19 26 26 52 -10
89 Alex Tuch 49 18.62 17 24 41 9
26 Rasmus Dahlin 46 24.39 7 29 36 -14
# Player GP MIN G A P +/-
13 Mathew Barzal 49 21.03 11 30 41 9
48 Matthew Schaefer 50 24.08 13 21 34 8
14 Bo Horvat 36 20.51 21 12 33 4

Injuries & Suspensions

Buffalo Sabres Injury Table

Type
Name
Info
Josh Dunne
Injured
Jacob Bryson
Injured
Justin Danforth
Injured
Josh Norris
Injured
Conor Timmins
Injured
Jiri Kulich
Unavailable

New York Islanders Injury Table

Type
Name
Info
Alexander Romanov
Injured
Pierre Engvall
Injured
Kyle Palmieri
Injured
Semyon Varlamov
Injured
Ryan Pulock
Injured

Starting Lineups

New York Islanders logo New York Islanders

Buffalo Sabres logo Buffalo Sabres

33
David Rittich
48
Matthew Schaefer
24
Scott Mayfield
29
Jonathan Drouin
14
Bo Horvat
51
Emil Heineman
89
Alex Tuch
72
Tage Thompson
91
Josh Doan
26
Rasmus Dahlin
23
Mattias Samuelsson
34
Alex Lyon

New York Islanders logo New York Islanders

Buffalo Sabres logo Buffalo Sabres

33
David Rittich
3
Adam Pelech
77
Anthony DeAngelo
27
Anders Lee
13
Mathew Barzal
11
Anthony Duclair
22
Jack Quinn
71
Ryan McLeod
17
Jason Zucker
4
Bowen Byram
25
Owen Power
34
Alex Lyon

New York Islanders logo New York Islanders

Buffalo Sabres logo Buffalo Sabres

33
David Rittich
34
Adam Boqvist
36
Isaiah George
49
Maxim Shabanov
44
Jean-Gabriel Pageau
10
Simon Holmstroem
94
Konsta Helenius
86
Noah Oestlund
6
Zach Benson
8
Michael Kesselring
73
Zach Metsa
34
Alex Lyon

New York Islanders logo New York Islanders

Buffalo Sabres logo Buffalo Sabres

33
David Rittich
53
Casey Cizikas
64
Calum Ritchie
32
Kyle Maclean
29
Beck Malenstyn
19
Peyton Krebs
48
Tyson Kozak
34
Alex Lyon

Previous Buffalo Sabres Lineups

22 Jan NHL
Sabres 4-2 Canadiens
20 Jan NHL
Sabres 5-3 Predators
19 Jan NHL
Sabres 1-2 Hurricanes
17 Jan NHL
Wild 5-4 Sabres
15 Jan NHL
Canadiens 3-5 Sabres
14 Jan NHL
Flyers 2-5 Sabres
12 Jan NHL
Panthers 4-3 Sabres
10 Jan NHL
Ducks 3-5 Sabres
08 Jan NHL
Sabres 5-2 Rangers
06 Jan NHL
Canucks 3-5 Sabres

Previous New York Islanders Lineups

21 Jan NHL
Islanders 1-4 Kraken
19 Jan NHL
Islanders 4-3 Canucks
17 Jan NHL
Islanders 2-4 Flames
15 Jan NHL
Islanders 1-0 Oilers
13 Jan NHL
Islanders 4-5 Jets
10 Jan NHL
Islanders 4-3 Wild
08 Jan NHL
Islanders 1-2 Predators
06 Jan NHL
Devils 0-9 Islanders
03 Jan NHL
Maple Leafs 3-4 Islanders
01 Jan NHL
Mammoth 7-2 Islanders
NHL Standings Select Season
Metropolitan GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Carolina 71 45 20 6 96 0.676 32 40 252 211 41 25-9-2 20-11-4 5-3 6-4 1L
2 Pittsburgh 72 36 20 16 88 0.611 29 33 247 228 19 17-11-8 19-9-8 3-10 5-5 1W
3 Columbus 72 38 23 11 87 0.604 27 32 232 219 13 20-8-7 18-15-4 6-1 6-4 1L
4 NY Islanders 73 41 27 5 87 0.596 27 37 211 207 4 20-12-2 21-15-3 4-5 6-4 1W
5 Philadelphia 71 35 24 12 82 0.577 22 26 209 215 -6 16-12-8 19-12-4 9-4 7-3 1W
6 Washington 73 36 28 9 81 0.555 31 35 227 215 12 22-11-5 14-17-4 1-6 5-5 1W
7 New Jersey 71 37 32 2 76 0.535 25 33 197 215 -18 18-15-2 19-17-0 4-0 7-3 2W
8 NY Rangers 72 28 35 9 65 0.451 19 25 202 230 -28 9-18-7 19-17-2 3-1 4-6 6L
East Atlantic GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Buffalo 72 44 20 8 96 0.667 37 40 254 211 43 22-9-4 22-11-4 4-0 7-3 2L
2 Tampa Bay 71 44 21 6 94 0.662 35 40 260 199 61 21-12-1 23-9-5 4-2 5-5 1L
3 Montreal 71 40 21 10 90 0.634 28 38 251 231 20 22-13-2 18-8-8 2-5 7-3 3W
4 Boston 72 40 24 8 88 0.611 29 37 240 224 16 26-10-1 14-14-7 3-3 5-5 1W
5 Ottawa 72 38 24 10 86 0.597 32 35 242 220 22 18-11-6 20-13-4 3-1 7-3 1L
6 Detroit 71 38 25 8 84 0.592 27 36 207 211 -4 20-13-3 18-12-5 2-3 3-7 2L
7 Toronto 73 31 29 13 75 0.514 23 30 229 255 -26 18-12-8 13-17-5 1-4 4-6 2W
8 Florida 71 35 33 3 73 0.514 27 30 213 236 -23 19-15-3 16-18-0 5-1 5-5 1L
East Central GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Colorado 71 48 13 10 106 0.746 42 45 266 179 87 23-6-5 25-7-5 3-6 6-4 4W
2 Dallas 72 43 18 11 97 0.674 33 38 245 198 47 22-10-4 21-8-7 5-4 5-5 4L
3 Minnesota 73 41 20 12 94 0.644 26 37 239 210 29 20-10-8 21-10-4 4-5 4-6 1W
4 Utah 73 37 30 6 80 0.548 28 37 229 210 19 19-14-3 18-16-3 0-0 3-7 2L
5 Nashville 72 34 29 9 77 0.535 25 30 217 239 -22 20-14-3 14-15-6 4-1 6-4 1L
6 Winnipeg 72 30 30 12 72 0.5 24 28 205 223 -18 18-14-6 12-16-6 2-4 4-6 1L
7 St Louis 71 30 30 11 71 0.5 26 29 186 226 -40 17-12-7 13-18-4 1-4 7-3 3W
8 Chicago 72 27 32 13 67 0.465 20 24 188 233 -45 13-16-7 14-16-6 3-5 4-6 1L
West Pacific GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Anaheim 72 41 27 4 86 0.597 24 33 243 247 -4 23-10-2 18-17-2 8-0 6-4 4W
2 Edmonton 73 36 28 9 81 0.555 27 36 254 249 5 18-13-4 18-15-5 0-3 6-4 2W
3 Vegas 73 32 26 15 79 0.541 24 31 228 229 -1 16-12-8 16-14-7 1-6 3-7 2L
4 LA Kings 72 29 25 18 76 0.528 19 25 193 216 -23 10-16-8 19-9-10 4-8 4-6 1W
5 Seattle 71 32 29 10 74 0.521 25 31 204 221 -17 17-14-5 15-15-5 1-5 3-7 1W
6 San Jose 70 32 31 7 71 0.507 20 30 212 251 -39 17-12-5 15-19-2 2-1 2-8 6L
7 Calgary 72 30 34 8 68 0.472 23 26 182 222 -40 20-12-5 10-22-3 4-3 5-5 1L
8 Vancouver 71 21 42 8 50 0.352 14 16 182 266 -84 8-25-5 13-17-3 5-2 3-7 4L
Eastern GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Carolina 71 45 20 6 96 0.676 32 40 252 211 41 25-9-2 20-11-4 5-3 6-4 1L
2 Buffalo 72 44 20 8 96 0.667 37 40 254 211 43 22-9-4 22-11-4 4-0 7-3 2L
3 Tampa Bay 71 44 21 6 94 0.662 35 40 260 199 61 21-12-1 23-9-5 4-2 5-5 1L
4 Montreal 71 40 21 10 90 0.634 28 38 251 231 20 22-13-2 18-8-8 2-5 7-3 3W
5 Boston 72 40 24 8 88 0.611 29 37 240 224 16 26-10-1 14-14-7 3-3 5-5 1W
6 Pittsburgh 72 36 20 16 88 0.611 29 33 247 228 19 17-11-8 19-9-8 3-10 5-5 1W
7 Columbus 72 38 23 11 87 0.604 27 32 232 219 13 20-8-7 18-15-4 6-1 6-4 1L
8 NY Islanders 73 41 27 5 87 0.596 27 37 211 207 4 20-12-2 21-15-3 4-5 6-4 1W
9 Ottawa 72 38 24 10 86 0.597 32 35 242 220 22 18-11-6 20-13-4 3-1 7-3 1L
10 Detroit 71 38 25 8 84 0.592 27 36 207 211 -4 20-13-3 18-12-5 2-3 3-7 2L
11 Philadelphia 71 35 24 12 82 0.577 22 26 209 215 -6 16-12-8 19-12-4 9-4 7-3 1W
12 Washington 73 36 28 9 81 0.555 31 35 227 215 12 22-11-5 14-17-4 1-6 5-5 1W
13 New Jersey 71 37 32 2 76 0.535 25 33 197 215 -18 18-15-2 19-17-0 4-0 7-3 2W
14 Toronto 73 31 29 13 75 0.514 23 30 229 255 -26 18-12-8 13-17-5 1-4 4-6 2W
15 Florida 71 35 33 3 73 0.514 27 30 213 236 -23 19-15-3 16-18-0 5-1 5-5 1L
16 NY Rangers 72 28 35 9 65 0.451 19 25 202 230 -28 9-18-7 19-17-2 3-1 4-6 6L
Western GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Colorado 71 48 13 10 106 0.746 42 45 266 179 87 23-6-5 25-7-5 3-6 6-4 4W
2 Dallas 72 43 18 11 97 0.674 33 38 245 198 47 22-10-4 21-8-7 5-4 5-5 4L
3 Minnesota 73 41 20 12 94 0.644 26 37 239 210 29 20-10-8 21-10-4 4-5 4-6 1W
4 Anaheim 72 41 27 4 86 0.597 24 33 243 247 -4 23-10-2 18-17-2 8-0 6-4 4W
5 Edmonton 73 36 28 9 81 0.555 27 36 254 249 5 18-13-4 18-15-5 0-3 6-4 2W
6 Utah 73 37 30 6 80 0.548 28 37 229 210 19 19-14-3 18-16-3 0-0 3-7 2L
7 Vegas 73 32 26 15 79 0.541 24 31 228 229 -1 16-12-8 16-14-7 1-6 3-7 2L
8 Nashville 72 34 29 9 77 0.535 25 30 217 239 -22 20-14-3 14-15-6 4-1 6-4 1L
9 LA Kings 72 29 25 18 76 0.528 19 25 193 216 -23 10-16-8 19-9-10 4-8 4-6 1W
10 Seattle 71 32 29 10 74 0.521 25 31 204 221 -17 17-14-5 15-15-5 1-5 3-7 1W
11 Winnipeg 72 30 30 12 72 0.5 24 28 205 223 -18 18-14-6 12-16-6 2-4 4-6 1L
12 San Jose 70 32 31 7 71 0.507 20 30 212 251 -39 17-12-5 15-19-2 2-1 2-8 6L
13 St Louis 71 30 30 11 71 0.5 26 29 186 226 -40 17-12-7 13-18-4 1-4 7-3 3W
14 Calgary 72 30 34 8 68 0.472 23 26 182 222 -40 20-12-5 10-22-3 4-3 5-5 1L
15 Chicago 72 27 32 13 67 0.465 20 24 188 233 -45 13-16-7 14-16-6 3-5 4-6 1L
16 Vancouver 71 21 42 8 50 0.352 14 16 182 266 -84 8-25-5 13-17-3 5-2 3-7 4L
GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Colorado 71 48 13 10 106 0.746 42 45 266 179 87 23-6-5 25-7-5 3-6 6-4 4W
2 Dallas 72 43 18 11 97 0.674 33 38 245 198 47 22-10-4 21-8-7 5-4 5-5 4L
3 Carolina 71 45 20 6 96 0.676 32 40 252 211 41 25-9-2 20-11-4 5-3 6-4 1L
4 Buffalo 72 44 20 8 96 0.667 37 40 254 211 43 22-9-4 22-11-4 4-0 7-3 2L
5 Tampa Bay 71 44 21 6 94 0.662 35 40 260 199 61 21-12-1 23-9-5 4-2 5-5 1L
6 Minnesota 73 41 20 12 94 0.644 26 37 239 210 29 20-10-8 21-10-4 4-5 4-6 1W
7 Montreal 71 40 21 10 90 0.634 28 38 251 231 20 22-13-2 18-8-8 2-5 7-3 3W
8 Boston 72 40 24 8 88 0.611 29 37 240 224 16 26-10-1 14-14-7 3-3 5-5 1W
9 Pittsburgh 72 36 20 16 88 0.611 29 33 247 228 19 17-11-8 19-9-8 3-10 5-5 1W
10 Columbus 72 38 23 11 87 0.604 27 32 232 219 13 20-8-7 18-15-4 6-1 6-4 1L
11 NY Islanders 73 41 27 5 87 0.596 27 37 211 207 4 20-12-2 21-15-3 4-5 6-4 1W
12 Ottawa 72 38 24 10 86 0.597 32 35 242 220 22 18-11-6 20-13-4 3-1 7-3 1L
13 Anaheim 72 41 27 4 86 0.597 24 33 243 247 -4 23-10-2 18-17-2 8-0 6-4 4W
14 Detroit 71 38 25 8 84 0.592 27 36 207 211 -4 20-13-3 18-12-5 2-3 3-7 2L
15 Philadelphia 71 35 24 12 82 0.577 22 26 209 215 -6 16-12-8 19-12-4 9-4 7-3 1W
16 Washington 73 36 28 9 81 0.555 31 35 227 215 12 22-11-5 14-17-4 1-6 5-5 1W
17 Edmonton 73 36 28 9 81 0.555 27 36 254 249 5 18-13-4 18-15-5 0-3 6-4 2W
18 Utah 73 37 30 6 80 0.548 28 37 229 210 19 19-14-3 18-16-3 0-0 3-7 2L
19 Vegas 73 32 26 15 79 0.541 24 31 228 229 -1 16-12-8 16-14-7 1-6 3-7 2L
20 Nashville 72 34 29 9 77 0.535 25 30 217 239 -22 20-14-3 14-15-6 4-1 6-4 1L
21 New Jersey 71 37 32 2 76 0.535 25 33 197 215 -18 18-15-2 19-17-0 4-0 7-3 2W
22 LA Kings 72 29 25 18 76 0.528 19 25 193 216 -23 10-16-8 19-9-10 4-8 4-6 1W
23 Toronto 73 31 29 13 75 0.514 23 30 229 255 -26 18-12-8 13-17-5 1-4 4-6 2W
24 Seattle 71 32 29 10 74 0.521 25 31 204 221 -17 17-14-5 15-15-5 1-5 3-7 1W
25 Florida 71 35 33 3 73 0.514 27 30 213 236 -23 19-15-3 16-18-0 5-1 5-5 1L
26 Winnipeg 72 30 30 12 72 0.5 24 28 205 223 -18 18-14-6 12-16-6 2-4 4-6 1L
27 San Jose 70 32 31 7 71 0.507 20 30 212 251 -39 17-12-5 15-19-2 2-1 2-8 6L
28 St Louis 71 30 30 11 71 0.5 26 29 186 226 -40 17-12-7 13-18-4 1-4 7-3 3W
29 Calgary 72 30 34 8 68 0.472 23 26 182 222 -40 20-12-5 10-22-3 4-3 5-5 1L
30 Chicago 72 27 32 13 67 0.465 20 24 188 233 -45 13-16-7 14-16-6 3-5 4-6 1L
31 NY Rangers 72 28 35 9 65 0.451 19 25 202 230 -28 9-18-7 19-17-2 3-1 4-6 6L
32 Vancouver 71 21 42 8 50 0.352 14 16 182 266 -84 8-25-5 13-17-3 5-2 3-7 4L