Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders Preview, Odds & Picks: New Year, Same Isles?
Welcome to your first edition of the Homer Chronicles by NZ. Opening night on Long Island and I personally couldn’t be more excited. My New York Islanders will have their home opener at UBS Arena tonight hosting the Buffalo Sabres.
The Islanders are coming into this season almost exactly the same as last season. There were no major moves made in the offseason, so we only have to look forward to the guys we locked up before the end of last season.
The Isles traded for star player Bo Horvat from the Vancouver Canucks in February. He is hoped to bring the offensive fire power the Isles are so desperately needing. After coming to the Island, Bo signed an 8-year deal with the team and planted his flag on LI.
Goaltending has always been a question mark on the island for many years now. Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders gift from above, was locked up for a long time and as he should be. They even signed him ahead of time to an 8-year deal that takes effect in the 2024-25 season.
The other and much awaited signing last year was none other than Mat Barzal. It got to an almost scary point to think we may have lost him, but GM Lou Lamoriello got the job done and inked Barzal to an 8-year deal worth $73.2 million. Between bringing in Horvat and locking in Sorokin, I think that really showed him we are serious about winning and doing it now.
New York will look to see be more than just a Wild Card team like last year. Barzal was hurt for a period of time right after the Isles got Horvat last year as well. They didn’t have much time together, so this off season had to be huge. The Isles have great pieces, so it’ll be interesting to see how they play together.
Does Buffalo have what it takes to be a playoff team this year?
Buffalo is coming into this year wanting to be a contender in the East. They only missed the playoffs by 1-point last year, so they have the pieces. Just about all of the team from last year is returning as well.
The Sabres are returning stars Tage Thompson and newly inked defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. Role players Jeff Skinner, Dylan Cozens, rookies Owen Power and Devon Levi are all players to watch this year.
Rookie goalie Devon Levi can be a really bright spot for the Sabres. He played only 7 games at the end of year last season and went 5-2 with a 2.94 gaa. This kid has the stuff and adds a lot of value to this team's core.
I personally really like this Buffalo team. They’re young, feisty and loaded with talent. They really showed last year that they weren’t a team to count out. The Eastern Conference was extremely tight last season, so they have as good a chance as anyone this year.
Betting Odds
Puck Line
- Buffalo Sabres +1.5 (-194)
- New York Islanders -1.5 (+160)
Moneyline
- Buffalo Sabres +122
- New York Islanders -146
Totals
- Over 6.5 (-102)
- Under 6.5 (-120)
Game Information
Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders Prediction and Pick
Prediction and Pick: Total Under 6.5 Goals (-120)
Being the first game of the season, I want to see the Islanders play. They’ll be up against a good rookie in Devon Levi to start with too.
As some people in the league like to the say, the Islanders play “boring” hockey. With that being said, they are not a very high scoring team. So, between the goaltending matchup and their offense, I lean the under on the Islanders side.
If we saw one thing from the Sabres in their first game, it’s that they need to figure out their offense. They only managed 1 goal against another good goaltender in Igor Shesterkin and will have another tough task in Sorokin.
Between the goaltending matchups and it being so early in the season, we’re going to go with the under. We will be rooting for No Bangs!
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