The New York Islanders (-180) play host to the Buffalo Sabres (+150) at UBS Arena on Saturday. The total is 6.5 (O: -115, U: -105)Both teams will be playing their second game in as many days. The Sabres are 3-8 without rest, while the Islanders are 8-5.
Buffalo (34-31-6) is coming off a high-scoring 5-4 win over the Devils yesterday, breaking a four-game losing streak. The Sabres took advantage of their power play opportunities, scoring once on four shots, while also conceding a power play goal.
Alex Tuch was the top goalscorer for the Sabres with two goals. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen allowed four goals on 31 shots against (.870%) in the win.
New York (37-27-9) fell 5-4 (OT) to the Blue Jackets yesterday. Brock Nelson was the leading goal scorer for the Islanders, netting twice. Ilya Sorokin only had 22 saves on 27 shots against (.814%) in the loss.
HEAD TO HEAD
The teams have split their two meetings this season, the most recent of which was a 3-2 victory for the Islanders on March 7. Four players had two points for New York. Dylan Cozens and Kyle Okposo were on the scoresheet for Buffalo. Sorokin got the win, saving 22 of 24 shots (.916%).
FACING OFF
Buffalo is averaging 3.59 goals per game for the season, third in the NHL, and they are taking on an Islanders team that is allowing 2.71 goals a game (6th). Meanwhile, New York has found the net 3.00 times a game on average, 21st in the league, and the Sabres are allowing opponents to score 3.73 goals per game (29th).
The Sabres’ 24.58% power play percentage is the fifth-best in the league, while the Islanders rank 29th with a conversion rate of only 16.26%.
While efficient on the power play, Buffalo has been less impressive at penalty killing, as the away team possesses the league’s second-lowest PK% at 72.14%. New York’s 81.64% ranks 11th in the NHL.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 89 points this season, 10th-most in the NHL, Tage Thompson is the top skater for the Sabres. He is among the league leaders with 44 goals (5th) and has added 45 assists. In the net, Craig Anderson (10-11-2) is Buffalo’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 3.07 GAA and a .908% save percentage.
Luukkonen (16-11-4) leads the Sabres in games played in goal. He has a GAA of 3.63 and a save percentage of .889%.Nelson leads the Islanders in scoring with 67 points.
He has 32 goals and 35 assists in 73 games. Sorokin (26-19-7) has the best goals against average for New York at 2.41. He has a save percentage of .922%, third-best in the league.
HOME AND AWAY
Buffalo is 20-11-3 away from home this season. New York is 21-12-3 at UBS Arena this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
NY Islanders (-175)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our NHL hub page for all your NHL needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
