New York Showdown: Islanders vs Sabres Picks and Odds
Tonight, the New York Islanders (29-21-14) take on the Buffalo Sabres (31-30-5) at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. These 2 teams met early this season and the Sabres won 3-1. The Islanders will be looking to have a different result for this game.
New York has started to heat up. They were on a 6-game win streak before their loss to the Kings in their last game. The Isles are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games and moved into the 2nd Wild Card spot.
We all know the Islanders used to be a strong defensive team while needing help 0n offense. This year they have reversed, and their lack of defense has cost them. Their 14 overtime losses are the 2nd most in the league.
The Isles offense has been fun to watch. The chemistry between Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal has been electric. on defense, Noah Dobson has been putting up a Norris candidate type season.
Goalie Ilya Sorokin has lost some tough games this year but is playing much better as of late. He had 5 out of the 6 wins during the streak. Sorokin has a 22-14-11 record with a 2.99 GAA and a .910 save percentage. He will get the start in net tonight.
Buffalo is fighting for their lives, but can they get a W vs the Isles?
Buffalo is only 5 point out of the 2nd Wild Card spot, so they are still in the mix. This game is a must win for both teams as they are fighting for the same position.
On offense, the Sabres shoot the puck 11th most in the league (31.3), but only average just under 3 goals a game. They rank in the bottom of the league for shooting percentage and power play conversion.
Defensively Buffalo can hold their own. They rank 13th in the league for goals allowed (2.98) and 6th for shots on goal allowed (29). Rasmus Dahlin leads this defense and the team with 48 points.
Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to get the start. He has a 21-16-3 record with 4 shutouts. Luukkonen has a 2.44 GAA and a .914 save percentage. It will be his 1st time facing the Islanders this year.
Let’s take a look at the odds and get into the picks!
New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres Betting Odds and Game Information
Islanders vs Sabres Betting Odds
Puck Line
- New York Islanders -1.5 (+215)
- Buffalo Sabres +1.5 (-265)
Moneyline
- New York Islanders -111
- Buffalo Sabres -102
Totals
- Over 6.5 (+114)
- Under 6.5 (-140)
Islanders vs Sabres Game Information
- Venue: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
- Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024
- Puck Drop: 7:0pm EST
- TV: MSG-B, MSGSN
New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction and Picks
Prediction and Pick: New York Islanders Moneyline (-111) Get 50% up to $750 Deposit on BETUS for this pick
This should be a really good, close game and the sportsbooks think the same. The line is just about a pick ’em, with the Islanders being the slight favorite.
With the way the Islanders have been playing, give me the Islanders. They are back in their time zone and on 2 days’ rest. I expect them to come out looking refreshed and ready to play.
Their offense has been clicking and I think this game is a good bounce back spot for them before heading south to go back home.
Sorokin will need protection and the number of shots contained. I think he can be stone cold if the Islanders defense comes to play.
For a nugget, we’re either going with Bo Horvat shots on goal or Sorokin saves. Make sure to check my Twitter for once the lines drop!
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