New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres, Picks and Prediction, Saturday, December 20, 2025
Use Code WWWC The New York Islanders face the Buffalo Sabres with both teams on opposite ends of the standings heading into the break. The Islanders are 19-12-3 and have the third-best record in the Metropolitan Division while the Sabres are 15-14-4 and with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference, they fired their general manager, yet have four wins in a row. Who will win this game? Check out our Sabres vs Islanders prediction!
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This Game Was Published Before Last Night's Results
Islanders are led by a great defense
The Islanders are having a great season despite their offense struggling and scoring 2.91 goals per game. Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee have 17 goals and 30 assists while defenseman Matthew Schaefer has added nine goals and 14 assists but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only four active skaters have seven goals or more and opponents can limit the top-heavy offense as a result.
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The offense has struggled but the defense has carried the Islanders, allowing only 2.74 goals per game. Matthew Schaefer and Ryan Pulock have combined for 4.9 defensive point shares while Adam Pelech and Scott Mayfield have combined for 3.8 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. The hope is that with the Islanders playing the second game of a back to back that David Rittich also keeps playing well as he’s allowed only eight goals in the last four starts.
Key injury report for Islanders
- Bo Horvat is out. Has 19 goals and 12 assists.
- Kyle Palmieri (torn ACL) is out for the season. Had six goals and 12 assists.
Buffalo hopes offense turns the season around
The Sabres are having a rough season but hope the offense can fuel a turnaround as they are averaging 3.06 goals per game with 15 goals in the last four games. Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Josh Doan have scored 38 goals and 44 assists while defenseman Rasmus Dahlin has added three goals and 23 assists from the point to open up the offense.
The offense has stepped up lately but the defense has let the Sabres down, allowing 3.39 goals per game. Mattias Samuelsson and Owen Power have combined for 3.5 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. The hope is that goaltender Alex Lyon builds off a few strong starts as he’s allowed only six goals in his last three.
Key injury report for Sabres
- Colten Ellis (concussion) will be reevaluated. Is the backup goaltender for the Sabres.
Islanders vs Sabres Pick
Money Line Pick For Islanders vs Sabres
- Capitals (-150) (4 units)
The Islanders are having a great season but coming off of short rest and running into a Sabres team that’s won four games in a row is a sign to avoid them in this one. The Sabres, who average 3.06 goals per game, should pile on the goals with Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone while creating open shots with quick passes. The Sabres look to limit an Islanders offense that averages only 2.91 goals per game with Mattias Samuelsson, Owen Power, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Alex Lyon, who has allowed only six goals in his last three starts, to make plenty of big saves. The Sabres should win the game with a strong performance on their home ice.
Take the Sabres money line as home Favorites.
Over/Under Pick For Islanders vs Sabres
- Over 6 (5 Units)
The Sabres are rolling on offense and I see this game being a high-scoring one from the opening puck drop. The Islanders should create plenty of scoring chances with Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone while creating open shots with quick passes. The Sabres, who have scored 15 goals in the last four games, should run up the score with Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Josh Doan, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence while creating open shots with effective puck movement as Rasmus Dahlin fires shots on the net from the blue line. The Over should cover in a high-scoring game with both offenses stepping up.
Take the Over on 6 goals.
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