New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, Picks & Odds | 20 Dec 2025

NHL Betting Preview: Islanders vs Sabres

The New York Islanders go up against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center, with face-off scheduled for 18:00 on Saturday, December 20.

We’re keeping our prediction nice and simple by heading to the 3-Way Moneyline. Take the +106 that the Sabres are able to secure a regulation time win when clashing with the Islanders.

New York Islanders have been defeated in back-to-back games. They were recently beaten at home to Vancouver Canucks by a 4-1 scoreline at UBS Arena. Anders Lee was the solitary scorer after Islanders registered 23 shots.

Buffalo Sabres were winners for the fourth straight time in their last game. Landing a 5-3 home victory against Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center. The goals were shared around between five players including Tage Thompson.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The last encounter between the Sabres and the Islanders saw the former win. It was a 7-1 scoreline at UBS Arena. The past 10 H2H games have seen the Sabres land six wins.

Starting Goalies

David Rittich (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	13-9-3	2.7	.896	2
23/24	13-6-1	2.15	.921	3

Alex Lyon (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	18-8-3	2.7	.913	2
23/24	21-18-4	3.05	.904	2

6 wins and 4 losses, averaging 2.6 goals from 25.9 shots on goal, with a 20.6% powerplay efficiency. The Islanders have been giving up 2.7 goals from 30.5 shots, averaging 2.9 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 82.8%.

Anders Lee is the top points scorer with 9 points, 4 goals and 5 assists, with Mathew Barzal racking up 9 points, 2 goals and 7 assists, over the past 10 games. Goalie Ilya Sorokin have a 2.24 goal against average with a .925 save percentage, including one shutout.

The Sabres have 6 wins and 4 losses, averaging 2.9 goals from 29.3 shots on goal, with a 19.2% powerplay efficiency. They have been conceding 3.3 goals from 27.0 shots, averaging 4.0 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 85.0%.

The top points scorer is Rasmus Dahlin with 10 points, 2 goals and 8 assists, while Tage Thompson is next in line after having 9 points, 5 goals and 4 assists. Goalie Alex Lyon have a 2.81 GAA with a .896 SV%.

New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction & Picks

Get the edge with our New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres betting tips: a trusted match prediction, likely correct score outcome, key player prop picks and an expert-crafted bet builder.

Game Prediction

There is merit in simply backing Buffalo Sabres to beat their opponents in 60 minutes when it comes to this NHL encounter. Especially as odds of +106 are available for this value pick.

We keep a close eye on the NHL team news and our handicappers stay sharp by tracking the latest form and lineups. You’ll also find a full set of stats that offer valuable insight and help shape smarter hockey predictions ahead of the action.

Key Islanders vs Sabres stats:

• Sabres have won 4 consecutive games.
• Sabres have won 6 of their last 10 games.
• Sabres have won 12 of their last 20 games at home.
• Islanders have lost their last 2 games.
• Sabres have won 6 of their last 10 games against Islanders.

Sabres 3-Way Moneyline Probability

The best betting sites are estimating that there is a 48.5% likelihood of this pick winning. However, we think that the probability sits between 55-60% taking all factors into consideration. It is therefore regarded as a value wager.

There’s a way to increase the odds on your 3-Way Moneyline bet by combining it with other picks. A Bet Builder allows you to make a number of other same-game selections.

Find top value before betting. Our guide includes the latest free bets and sign-up bonuses from trusted sites.

Our Game Prediction

Sabres 3-Way Moneyline @ +106 Bet Now

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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 (Dec 20, 01:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Tage Thompson To Score +125

Tage Thompson (Sabres) has found the net in 5 straight games. There are odds of +125 available for this Anytime Goalscorer wager and we think this is a value proposition for the player to find the net.

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

Islanders 1 - 4 Sabres

We’re taking a chance on the Sabres to achieve a 4-1 winning scoreline. Odds of +1300 means we can place a smaller stake and still achieve a nice return.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Islanders

Sabres

1-0

Islanders

+5500

Sabres

+5000

2-0

Islanders

+5500

Sabres

+4500

2-1

Islanders

+1600

Sabres

+1400

3-0

Islanders

+4500

Sabres

+2800

3-1

Islanders

+2200

Sabres

+1700

3-2

Islanders

+950

Sabres

+800

4-0

Islanders

+6000

Sabres

+3300

4-1

Islanders

+2200

Sabres

+1300

4-2

Islanders

+1900

Sabres

+1400

4-3

Islanders

+1100

Sabres

+950

5-0

Islanders

+11000

Sabres

+5500

5-1

Islanders

+4000

Sabres

+2000

5-2

Islanders

+2200

Sabres

+1400

5-3

Islanders

+2800

Sabres

+2000

5-4

Islanders

+2200

Sabres

+1800

6-0

Islanders

+14000

Sabres

+8000

6-1

Islanders

+9000

Sabres

+4000

6-2

Islanders

+4500

Sabres

+2400

6-3

Islanders

+4000

Sabres

+2400

6-4

Islanders

+5500

Sabres

+4000

6-5

Islanders

+5000

Sabres

+4500

7-0

Islanders

+5000

Sabres

+12000

7-1

Islanders

+14000

Sabres

+7000

7-2

Islanders

+12000

Sabres

+6000

7-3

Islanders

+7500

Sabres

+4500

7-4

Islanders

+8000

Sabres

+5500

7-5

Islanders

+11000

Sabres

+9000

7-6

Islanders

+12000

Sabres

+11000

8-1

Islanders

+12000

Sabres

+12000

8-2

Islanders

+12000

Sabres

+10000

8-3

Islanders

+12000

Sabres

+11000

8-4

Islanders

+14000

Sabres

+10000

8-5

Islanders

+14000

Sabres

+12500

View More

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.

New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres 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.

Buffalo Sabres are -182 favorites and that means a 65% chance of winning this game according to the Moneyline betting odds with the sportsbooks. For those wanting to oppose the market leader, you can get +150 about New York Islanders.

The puck line is 1.5, with the total goals line at 6.5. A Totals wager is always available and can often provide value selections. If you're keen on Over 6.5, this selection is available at +104.

There are a huge selection of game lines and team props when it comes to betting on this popular league and we recommend visiting the best NHL sportsbooks to find the wager that matches your view on the clash.

Moneyline

Islanders

+150

Sabres

-182

3-Way Moneyline

Islanders

+230

Tie

+325

Sabres

-105

Puck Line

Islanders +1.5

-164

Sabres -1.5

+134

Total Goals

Under 6.5

-128

Over 6.5

+104

If you’re looking for an alternative to the game lines, check out the goalie and player props instead. It’s great to wager on Goalscorers, Assists, Points, Shots on Goal, Blocked Shots and Powerplay Points as potential options.

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.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

New York Islanders Stats

Buffalo Sabres Stats

Moneyline

• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 home games

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 7 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 3 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 5 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 5.50 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 4.90 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 6.5: Covered in 3 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 1 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 2.80 goals and allowed 2.70 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 2.90 pts and allowed 2.00 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.30 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 6.30 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 6.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.00 goals and allowed 3.30 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.50 goals and allowed 2.80 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.7
• Shots: 25.9
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 2.9
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 5.8
• Blocks: 12.4
• Faceoff Wins : 28.1
• Hits: 20.5
• Giveaways: 14.6
• Takeaways: 4.3

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.4
• Shots: 23
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
• Penalties: 3.7
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 10.6
• Blocks: 13.1
• Faceoff Wins : 27.1
• Hits: 15.9
• Giveaways: 13.2
• Takeaways: 4

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.9
• Shots: 29.3
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 4
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 10.2
• Blocks: 13.5
• Faceoff Wins : 24.6
• Hits: 18
• Giveaways: 15.1
• Takeaways: 5.6

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.5
• Shots: 28.1
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 2.9
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 7.8
• Blocks: 14.6
• Faceoff Wins : 26.3
• Hits: 19.4
• Giveaways: 15.4
• Takeaways: 4.8

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

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