NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Sabres vs. Islanders (March 25)

Sabres vs. Islanders Odds

After a big win Friday, the Buffalo Sabres head to Long Island to take on the New York Islanders. Buffalo has had a tough time lately and is 2-6-2 in its past 10 games, but Friday's win was a big help

The Islanders have been hot, going 6-2-2 in their past 10, but suffered a loss in overtime to the lowly Blue Jackets on Friday night. The Islanders in crunch time and every point matters in this playoff hunt.

Here’s a look at our odds, as well as our prediction for the Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Islanders.

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Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres are struggling, but there’s definitely no shortage of talent. Alex Tuch scored two goals Friday and Tage Thompson scored once, adding to his 40+ goal total. Behind them, Jeff Skinner is a 30-goal scorer and Dylan Cozens has scored in two straight games.

Generating a sustainable even-strength attack hasn't been easy in March. The Sabres are 25th in expected goals with a 44.77 xGF%, but the power play is ranked fifth and scoring at a 24.6% rate.

Defensively, Buffalo hasn’t fared well this month, especially without Mattias Samuelsson. The Sabres are 30th in xGA/60 (expected goals allowed per 60 mins) at 3.18, and are second to last with a 72% penalty kill.

Buffalo’s goalie situation is tough to figure out. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen played Friday, but Saturday's starter is still to be determined. Craig Anderson had a few maintenance days, so he may take the crease. The 41-year-old has had a good year, playing to a +1.0 goals saved above expected (GSAx) and a .908 SV%.

New York Islanders

Mathew Barzal has been out, but everyone else has stepped up for the Islanders. Bo Horvat has been held scoreless in his past six games, but he’s formed great chemistry with captain Anders Lee. Brock Nelson has been the team’s best offensive weapon. He scored two goals Friday, bringing his total to 32.

March has been kind to New York's offense as the Isles are sixth in expected goals with a 55.66 xGF%. However, the power play is nowhere to be found.

The Isles are back to playing defensively sound hockey. They’re third with a 2.24 xGA/60 and the penalty kill is 11th, succeeding 81.6% of the time.

Since Ilya Sorokin played Friday, I’d expect Semyon Varlamov to start. The veteran has had a decent season, but hasn't had a great showing in his past four starts (.877 SV%). He’s also playing to a +1.8 GSAx, which is significantly lower than where he was earlier in the season.

Sabres vs. Islanders Pick

The Sabres have been making things as hard as possible for opposing teams. They have three 30+ goal scorers (nearly five) and just beat the Devils, who are competing for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division.

However, Buffalo’s defense has suffered with the loss of Samuelsson. He may not be a guy who lights up the scoreboard, but he’s a calming presence on the back end, which the Sabres have needed for years.

With the Islanders offense clicking on all cylinders, this has the potential to get ugly. And don't forget about Buffalo’s goaltending woes. Should Anderson play, this game may have a chance to be close, but it’s hard to say.

Both teams are coming off a game Friday night, so I’d imagine they're tired. However, one will look for revenge in front of their home fans and one came off a satisfying home win. Will Buffalo come back to Earth? I certainly think so.

Pick: Islanders -1.5

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