Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders: Prediction, Picks & Best Bets for Eastern Conference Clash

Written By Blaise Bourgeois | Published at January 24, 2026

Nov 15, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Jonathan Huberdeau (10) controls the puck against Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) during the overtime period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Sabres (28-17-5, 61 points) and the New York Islanders (27-18-5, 59 points) are neck-and-neck in the standings. While the Islanders currently have an automatic bid, the Sabres are two points behind the Montreal Canadiens for an automatic bid of their own. The Sabres currently have the Eastern Conference's top Wild Card spot and are four points clear of rivals Toronto.

The Sabres are currently the hottest team in all of hockey, coming frankly out of nowhere to win 17 of their last 21 games to launch themselves firmly into the playoff race. They're looking to clinch a postseason berth for the first time since the 2010-11 season, when they lost in the conference quarterfinals against the Philadelphia Flyers in seven games. At 14 seasons, their postseason drought is the longest in NHL history.

Meanwhile, the Islanders have made the playoffs eight times since the 2012-13 season, though they continue to look for their first Stanley Cup win since 1983, when they won their fourth-consecutive title. While the Islanders finished with 82 points, they miraculously won the Matthew Schaefer sweepstakes, despite having just a 3.5% chance of landing the #1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

The 18-year-old Schaefer has enjoyed a stellar first year in the NHL, contributing 13 goals and 21 assists this season. The young defenseman is getting more comfortable as the season progresses and appears to be a bonafide superstar in the making.

All Odds as of 9:00 a.m. ET on Jan. 24

Sabres vs Islanders Odds

🏒 Odds via FanDuel 🥅

Puck Line: Sabres +1.5 (-280) | Islanders -1.5 (+210)
Moneyline: Sabres -105 | Islanders -115
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+106) | Under 6.5 (-130)

Sabres vs Islanders Same-Game Parlay (+2085)

🏒 Odds via FanDuel 🥅

Leg 1: Buffalo Sabres -1.5
Leg 2: Over 6.5 Goals
Leg 3: Alex Tuch 4+ Shots on Goal

This parlay is incredible value. The Sabres are red-hot, winning 17 of their last 21 games to vault themselves into the playoff picture. Buffalo has one of the longest postseason droughts in all of sports, having last tasted the playoffs in 2011.

Sabres games have gone over in 80% of recent games, though the first matchup with the Islanders only resulted in five goals. That, however, was a different Sabres team, and the Islanders weren't dealing with so many pivotal injuries.

Alex Tuch had five shots on goal the last time these two teams got together, and we're hoping he can find his December form. We also recommend taking a softer version of this parlay with Tuch having 3+ Shots on Goal at +968.

Sabres vs Islanders Betting Trends to Know

The New York Islanders have lost three straight puck lines after winning six straight.
The Buffalo Sabres have won 15 of their last 19 puck lines.
The Buffalo Sabres have gone over in eight of their last 10 games, though they've gone under in two of their last three games.
The Buffalo Sabres have won straight up in 17 of their last 21 games.