The Buffalo Sabres square off against the New York Islanders today at 5pm in what is a back-to-back for both teams. Can they win two in a row?
The Buffalo Sabres snapped their losing streak in a 5-4 nail biter over the New Jersey Devils, giving them momentum for their return to Long Island. Showing a rather aggressive side, the Sabres took away some of the Devils favorite scoring lanes just enough to skate away with the win.
Now they need to repeat that effort tonight against the New York Islanders. And as it stands, Buffalo has even more momentum heading into this one thanks to the Isles 5-4 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
So can the Sabres pull off a second shocker in two nights? Keep reading for the odds and we will make a prediction.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Islanders Odds – Game 72
Per Fan Duel, the Buffalo Sabres are +1.5 underdogs on the road against the Islanders. The Over/Under is 6.5, and the Sabres moneyline is +140. The Islanders moneyline is -170.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Islanders Prediction – Game 72
While the Sabres skated away victorious last night, they struggled in every facet of the game against the Islanders the last time these two teams met. While the final score indicated a close contest, Buffalo let New York establish a forecheck, and the game was out of their hands from there.
Tonight, if the Sabres want to win, they can’t let the Islanders forecheck their way into controlling this game. New York loves using the forecheck to get the puck to their players hanging around the net. And just like last night, Buffalo needs to get their sticks on the puck often if they wish to negate this.
If they can neutralize this important aspect of the Isles game, the Sabres have a chance here. But if they let New York outmuscle them along the boards, or if they can’t deflect the puck in front of the net, it could be a long one for Buffalo. As it stands, it’s still too tough to trust the Sabres to beat two tough teams back-to-back.
(Game odds update regularly and are subject to change)