New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, Picks & Odds | 31 Mar 2026

NHL Betting Preview: Islanders vs Sabres

The New York Islanders clash with the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center, with face-off scheduled for 19:00 on Tuesday, March 31.

We are going to bet against the Islanders with our prediction. The best way of doing this is by siding with the home team and we really like the -118 about the Sabres winning on the 3-Way Moneyline.

New York Islanders have lost in back-to-back road outings. In their previous game, they were turned over 8-3 at home to Pittsburgh Penguins at UBS Arena. Anders Lee, Mathew Barzal and Brayden Schenn scored one goal apiece.

Buffalo Sabres last game saw them claim a 3-2 (SO) home win over Seattle Kraken at KeyBank Center. Rasmus Dahlin and Peyton Krebs scored one goal apiece. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made a total of 32 saves (.941).

Head-to-Head Statistics

It was the Sabres who came out on top when they last played the Islanders. At UBS Arena, a 5-0 win was recorded. The Sabres have enjoyed three consecutive victories against the Islanders. They’ve landed 6 wins from the past 10 head-to-head meetings.

Starting Goalies

David Rittich (Expected)

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

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Expected)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	18-8-3	2.6	.910	1
23/24	27-22-4	2.57	.910	5

5 wins and 5 losses, averaging 2.7 goals from 28.2 shots on goal, with a 15.4% powerplay efficiency. The Islanders have been giving up 3.1 goals from 27.8 shots, averaging 2.9 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 89.7%.

Matthew Schaefer is the top points scorer with 9 points, 2 goals and 7 assists, with Calum Ritchie recording 7 points, 3 goals and 4 assists, in the past 10 games. Goalie Ilya Sorokin have a 2.92 goal against average with a .894 save percentage, including one shutout.

The Sabres have 6 wins, 2 losses and 2 overtime losses, averaging 3.2 goals from 28.3 shots on goal, with a 13.5% powerplay efficiency. They have conceded 2.5 goals from 25.7 shots, averaging 4.2 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 83.3%.

The top points scorer is Rasmus Dahlin with 10 points, 4 goals and 6 assists, while Jack Quinn is next best after registering 8 points, 5 goals and 3 assists. Goalie Alex Lyon have a 2.96 GAA with a .867 SV%, including one shutout.

New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction & Picks

Discover our expert New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres betting tips, featuring a match prediction, correct score suggestion and bet builder advice. Scroll down for full analysis.

Game Prediction

The road team look opposable on the 60-minute line, so we’re going to make Buffalo Sabres our pick for this NHL encounter. You can currently get -118 for this selection which looks value.

The formbook is always a smart starting point when making hockey picks. Up-to-date NHL team news is just as important, while the stats we provide often reveal valuable insights.

Key Islanders vs Sabres stats:

• Sabres have won 14 of their last 20 games.
• Sabres have won 6 of their last 10 games.
• Islanders have lost their last 2 games on the road.
• Sabres have won the last 3 games between these teams.

Sabres 3-Way Moneyline Probability

According to the top NHL sportsbooks, there’s a 54.1% likelihood of our pick landing a return. After careful examination, our analysts have this probability close to 60%. It’s the reason why we are recommending this hockey bet.

There’s the chance to combine a 3-Way Moneyline wager with other selections. This is available when you place a Bet Builder and predict different outcomes to happen.

Claim exclusive offers now—our guide features top betting promo codes, the latest sign-up bonuses, and free bets.

Our Game Prediction

Sabres 3-Way Moneyline @ -118 Watch Live 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 (Mar 31, 00:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Islanders 2 - 3 Sabres

Let’s take a chance on the +800 available that the Sabres secure a 3-2 victory. There’s a nice potential return waiting if we’re able to predict the correct score.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Islanders

Sabres

1-0

Islanders

+6000

Sabres

+5500

2-0

Islanders

+6000

Sabres

+4500

2-1

Islanders

+1800

Sabres

+1400

3-0

Islanders

+5000

Sabres

+2800

3-1

Islanders

+2500

Sabres

+1700

3-2

Islanders

+1050

Sabres

+800

4-0

Islanders

+6600

Sabres

+3000

4-1

Islanders

+2400

Sabres

+1300

4-2

Islanders

+2000

Sabres

+1300

4-3

Islanders

+1150

Sabres

+950

5-0

Islanders

+12000

Sabres

+5000

5-1

Islanders

+4000

Sabres

+1800

5-2

Islanders

+2400

Sabres

+1300

5-3

Islanders

+2800

Sabres

+1900

5-4

Islanders

+2200

Sabres

+1800

6-0

Islanders

+2200

Sabres

+7000

6-1

Islanders

+10000

Sabres

+4000

6-2

Islanders

+5000

Sabres

+2200

6-3

Islanders

+4000

Sabres

+2200

6-4

Islanders

+5500

Sabres

+4000

6-5

Islanders

+5000

Sabres

+4000

7-0

Islanders

+5000

Sabres

+11000

7-1

Islanders

+5000

Sabres

+6600

7-2

Islanders

+12500

Sabres

+5500

7-3

Islanders

+8000

Sabres

+4000

7-4

Islanders

+8000

Sabres

+5000

7-5

Islanders

+11000

Sabres

+9000

7-6

Islanders

+11000

Sabres

+10000

8-1

Islanders

+11000

Sabres

+10000

8-2

Islanders

+11000

Sabres

+9000

8-3

Islanders

+11000

Sabres

+10000

8-4

Islanders

+14000

Sabres

+9000

8-5

Islanders

+14000

Sabres

+12000

9-2

Islanders

+14000

Sabres

+14000

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 have the shortest price to win this game, with the sportsbooks giving them a 66% probability due to their -192 Moneyline betting odds. New York Islanders are trading at bigger odds than their opponents and they can be backed at +160.

The puck line is calculated to be 1.5, while total goals comes in at 6.5. Hockey fans love the chance to get an alternative angle by going for a Totals wager. If you're keen on Over 6.5, this selection is available at +108.

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.

Moneyline

Islanders

+160

Sabres

-192

3-Way Moneyline

Islanders

+255

Tie

+330

Sabres

-118

Puck Line

Islanders +1.5

-161

Sabres -1.5

+130

Total Goals

Under 6.5

-132

Over 6.5

+108

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

New York Islanders Stats

Buffalo Sabres Stats

Moneyline

• 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
• 6 wins and 4 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 8 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 7 of the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 4 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 1 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 5.80 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 6.10 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 6.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 2.70 goals and allowed 3.10 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 2.90 pts and allowed 3.20 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 5.90 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 6.80 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 5 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.40 goals and allowed 2.50 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.40 goals and allowed 3.40 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.6
• Shots: 28.2
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 2.9
• Empty Net Goals: 0
• Penalty Minutes: 8.6
• Blocks: 14.6
• Faceoff Wins : 29.9
• Hits: 21
• Giveaways: 13.4
• Takeaways: 4.6

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.8
• Shots: 30.3
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 3
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 8.5
• Blocks: 16.8
• Faceoff Wins : 29.9
• Hits: 23.1
• Giveaways: 13.4
• Takeaways: 4.7

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.5
• Shots: 28.3
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 4.2
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 9.8
• Blocks: 16.2
• Faceoff Wins : 26.7
• Hits: 20.1
• Giveaways: 13.2
• Takeaways: 5.2

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.9
• Shots: 30.1
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 4.9
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 13.8
• Blocks: 14
• Faceoff Wins : 28.4
• Hits: 21.9
• Giveaways: 15
• Takeaways: 5.6

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Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of face-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.

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