Jack Eichel, Victor Olofsson, and the Buffalo Sabres will do battle against Brock Nelson, Mathew Barzal, and the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum for an Eastern Conference showdown. The match will get going at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 14, and you’ll be able to watch the game live on MSG Network.
Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Islanders Odds
This matchup’s moneyline and Over/Under odds have not been posted by bookmakers yet.
New York is 21-9 straight-up (SU) and has earned moneyline bettors 10.4 units this year. That winning percentage, ranked first in the NHL in this young season, is an improvement over the 48-34 record from last year’s regular season campaign. Through 30 regular season contests, 16 of its games have gone under the total, while 11 have gone over and just two have pushed. Thus far, the team’s 12-3 SU at home.
The Islanders have converted on 21.1 percent of their power play chances this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated 12th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 82.7 percent of all penalties.
With a .926 save percentage and 25.9 saves per game, Semyon Varlamov (11-6-2) has been the most dependable goalkeeper for the Isles this year. If New York decides to give him a rest, however, head coach Barry Trotz might turn to Thomas Greiss (11-5-5 record, .932 save percentage, 2.16 goals against average).
Buffalo has earned 0.0 units for moneyline bettors this season and is currently 16-17 straight up (SU). Through 33 regular season matches, 17 of its games have gone over the total, while 15 have gone under the total and none have pushed. The Sabres are 6-11 SU as the visiting team this season.
The Sabres have converted on 17.1 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 29th overall and it’s successfully killed off 74.5 percent of all opponent power plays.
Linus Ullmark (2.84 goals against average and .916 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Buffalo. Ullmark is averaging 30.9 saves per game and has 10 wins, eight losses, and two overtime losses to his credit.
Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders Free Picks
Prediction: SU Winner – Sabres, O/U – Under
Betting Notes
- The Islanders are 2-0 in games decided by a shootout this season while the Sabres are 1-1 in shootouts.
- Buffalo’s attempted 30.8 shots per contest overall this season (ranked 20th in the NHL), and 30.8 in its last 10 games.
- Over Buffalo’s last ten games, four of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 3-1 in those games).
- The Isles this season have recorded the third-most hits per game in the NHL (29.3), but that average has climbed to 35.0 over their last five home outings.
