Tag: Buffalo Sabres betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Buffalo Sabres (6-21-4) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (20-11-2) for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop Thursday night at PPG Paints Arena. Below, we analyze the Sabres-Penguins odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Sabres at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5 p.m. ET. 

  • Money line: Sabres +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Penguins -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Sabres +1.5 (+105) | Penguins -1.5 (-125)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Sabres at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Dustin Tokarski (0-2-0, .886 SV%, 4.64 GAA) vs. Casey DeSmith (7-3-0, .919 SV%, 2.11 GAA)

Tokarski started Monday against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden and allowed 4 goals in a loss. For the 31-year-old, the game at MSG marked his first NHL start since December of 2015. Tokarski followed that effort up by allowing 5 goals in Wednesday’s loss to the Pens.

DeSmith has been tremendous in five starts since late-February. Over the five turns, the 29-year-old has registered a .956 SV%. The middle of those five efforts was a 24-save shutout at Buffalo March 13.

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Sabres at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Pittsburgh 3, Buffalo 1

Money line (ML)

Buffalo has been reeling. The Sabres are 0-13-2 over their last 15 games and over that stretch, Buffalo has been outshot by nearly 10 shots per game. Thursday’s game is the back half of two games in two days; the Penguins took Wednesday’s game 5-2 and outshot the Sabres 42-28.

The Sabres are banged up with C Jack Eichel (upper body) out since March 7 and their top two netminders — G Carter Hutton (undisclosed) and G Linus Ullmark (lower body) — also on the shelf.

The Pens are in the midst of playing more meaningful games because of their third-place standing in the East Division. Pittsburgh is the lean, but PASS on the straight-up play and leverage the lighter juice on the puck line.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Pittsburgh is a robust 13-3-1 at home. The second-to-last time the Pens played back-to-back days at home, the second game yielded a 5-1 win (March 7 vs. the Rangers).

BACK THE PENGUINS -1.5 (-125).

Over/Under (O/U)

Ride DeSmith against a banged-up Buffalo side, and the yield here is a DECENT VALUE ON THE UNDER 6 (-115).

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Buffalo Sabres (6-20-4) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (19-11-2) for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop Wednesday night at PPG Paints Arena. Below, we analyze the Sabres-Penguins odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Sabres at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:10 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Sabres +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Penguins -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Sabres +1.5 (-110) | Penguins -1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Sabres at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Dustin Tokarski (0-1-0, .892 SV%, 4.26 GAA) vs. Tristan Jarry (12-8-2, .909 SV%, 2.86 GAA)

Tokarski started Monday against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden and allowed 4 goals in a loss. For the 31-year-old, the game at MSG marked his first NHL start since December of 2015. Tokarski owns a .904 career SV% and a 2.88 career GAA across 27 starts and eight relief appearances.

Jarry is coming off back-to-back losses but is 3-1-1 with a .942 SV% over his last five starts. That stretch includes the 25-year-old netminder stopping 21 of 23 shots against these Sabres March 11.

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Sabres at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Pittsburgh 4, Buffalo 1

Money line (ML)

Buffalo has been reeling. The Sabres are 0-12-2 over their last 14 games and over that stretch, Buffalo has been outshot by nine shots per game (33.4 to 24.4).

Now, the Sabres are banged up with C Jack Eichel (upper body) out since March 7 and their top two netminders — G Carter Hutton (undisclosed) and G Linus Ullmark (lower body) — also on the shelf.

The Pens are in the midst of playing more meaningful games because of their third-place standing in the East Division. Pittsburgh is the lean, but PASS on the straight-up play and leverage the lighter juice on the puck line.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Pittsburgh is a robust 12-3-1 at home. In home games after a loss, the Penguins are 4-0-0 with two of those wins coming by 3-goal margins.

BACK THE PENGUINS -1.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Mix a sharp Jarry with a banged-up Buffalo side, and the yield here is a DECENT VALUE ON THE UNDER 6 (-120).

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Buffalo Sabres at New Jersey Devils odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Buffalo Sabres at New Jersey Devils NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Buffalo Sabres (6-17-4) travel to meet the New Jersey Devils (8-13-4) Tuesday with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at Prudential Center. Below, we analyze the Sabres-Devils odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Sabres at Devils: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:10 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Sabres +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Devils -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Sabres +1.5 (-200) | Devils -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Sabres at Devils: Projected starting goalies

Jonas Johansson (0-4-1, 3.91 GAA, .883 SV%) vs. Mackenzie Blackwood (5-8-1, 3.12 GAA, .900 SV%)

Johansson has made six appearances this season, and he has allowed four or more goals in each of his past four starts. He hasn’t yet faced the Devils and has been limited to three appearances against the Philadelphia Flyers, two against the New York Islanders and one against the Pittsburgh Penguins. This projects as his easiest assignment.

Blackwood has dropped six consecutive starts, with his last victory coming Feb. 25 in a 4-3 overtime win at Buffalo. He is also 1-2-0 with a 3.04 GAA and .907 SV% in three starts against the Sabres this season. He is better on the road than at home, too, going 1-7-1 with a 3.20 GAA and .887 SV% in nine home games, while going 4-1-0 with a 2.99 GAA and .917 SV% in five road games.

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Sabres at Devils: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Devils 3, Sabres 2

Money line (ML)

The DEVILS (-165) are worth playing lightly, as they’re catching a poor Sabres team coming off a 6-0 dusting on home ice against the Washington Capitals Monday. The Sabres have been shut out in back-to-back games, so the Devils are catching them at a really good time.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Neither of these teams are playing well enough to trust on the puck line. I expect the Devils -1.5 (+165) to get by in this one, but they are 0-2-2 in their past four games.

Each of their past three wins since Feb. 18 was by one goal. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-105) is the way to go, as the Sabres cannot buy a goal lately. The Under also hit in the past two games for the Devils, and they are averaging just 2.48 goals per game to rank 26th in the NHL. Their power play is also just 28th, which is bad news for the offense.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (16-9-1) wrap up a two-game set on the road against the Buffalo Sabres (6-15-4) Saturday with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at KeyBank Center. Below, we analyze the Penguins-Sabres odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Penguins at Sabres: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Penguins -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Sabres +195 (bet $100 to win $195)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Penguins -1.5 (+115) | Sabres +1.5 (-140)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Penguins at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry (11-7-1, 3.00 GAA, .901 SV%) vs. Carter Hutton (1-7-1, 3.40 GAA, .883 SV%)

Jarry is in the midst of a three-game win streak, tying a season-best. He polished off the Sabres with 21 saves on 23 shots in a 5-2 win on Thursday. While Jarry has allowed three or fewer goals in each of the three victories, he has also been the beneficiary of plenty of offensive support with 13 total goals, or 4.33 goals per game.

Hutton has really struggled in net for the Sabres while Linus Ullmark is on the shelf. Sabres G Jonas Johansson coughed up four goals on 26 shots against Pittsburgh in the first meeting, so now it’s Hutton’s turn. Hutton has not won since Jan. 18, a span of seven straight appearances.

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Penguins at Sabres: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Penguins 5, Sabres 2

Money line (ML)

The Penguins (-250) are likely to pick up the win against the skidding Sabres (+195), but risking more than two and a half times your potential return on a road team is not a good long-term betting strategy.

PASS, and look to the puck line instead.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The PENGUINS -1.5 (+115) are a better play for the potential plus-return. They cashed in the front end of the back-to-back, though.

The Sabres have really struggled on offense with C Jack Eichel on the shelf due to injury. Pittsburgh has rattled off three straight puck-line covers, and they’ll do so again in this one, too.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 6 (-115) is the play here, as the Pens should pile up plenty of offense against Hutton. The worry with an Over play is the scuffling Sabres offense, which has posted just 14 total goals across the past eight outings.

But, if they can just get to at least two goals, which they have done in each of the past six, then the Over is a slam-dunk play.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (15-9-1) begin a two-game set on the road against the Buffalo Sabres (6-14-4) Thursday with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at KeyBank Center. Below, we analyze the Penguins-Sabres odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Penguins at Sabres: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Penguins -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Sabres +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Penguins -1.5 (+135) | Sabres +1.5 (-160)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Penguins at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry (10-7-1, 3.05 GAA, .900 SV%) vs. Carter Hutton (1-7-1, 3.40 GAA, .883 SV%)

Jarry is looking to match a season-high three-game win streak. He allowed two goals on 35 shots Tuesday against the New York Rangers and stopped 19 of 22 shots against the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday. Jarry hasn’t faced the Sabres yet this season.

Hutton has been doing the heavy lifting with Linus Ullmark battling a lower-body injury. He hasn’t been handling the extra workload well, having coughed up 3 or more goals in each of his past four starts, including 5 goals on 29 shots in a 5-2 road loss against the New York Islanders Saturday.

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Penguins at Sabres: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Penguins 4, Sabres 2

Money line (ML)

The Penguins (-200) will cost you two times your potential return. While the Sabres are playing awful hockey right now, with no improvement in sight, risking two times your return is not a good long-term betting strategy.

AVOID, and look to the puck line instead.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The PENGUINS -1.5 (+135) are a much better value at plus-money, even on the road. The Sabres haven’t won since Feb. 23, going 0-6-2 across their past eight outings.

With superstar C Jack Eichel (upper body) on the shelf with Ullmark, Buffalo is having a hard time treading water and avoiding loss after loss.

Over/Under (O/U)

I expect a TOTAL of 6, which would be right on the number. Look to the alternate line and take OVER 5.5 (-145) instead.

Buffalo is skidding hard and has allowed 19 total goals in regulation over its past four outings.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Buffalo Sabres (6-13-3) play the third game of a three-game set on the road against the New York Islanders (14-6-4) Sunday with a noon ET puck drop at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Below, we analyze the Sabres-Islanders odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Sabres at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Sabres +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Islanders -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Sabres +1.5 (-155) | Islanders -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Sabres at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Jonas Johansson (0-2-0, 3.90 GAA, .902 SV%) vs. Ilya Sorokin (3-2-1, 2.16 GAA, .909 SV%, 2 SO)

Johansson is likely to get the starting nod after Carter Hutton coughed up five goals on 29 shots in Saturday’s matinee loss in Game 2 of this three-game set. Johansson faced the Isles Thursday and he also allowed five goals in a 5-2 loss, but he made 40 saves.

Sorokin turned aside 16 of the 18 shots he faced in a 5-2 win Thursday against the Sabres, and he also blanked them in Buffalo Feb. 16.

Special NHL Betting Promotion! Bet $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team scores a goal in the game. Betting offer available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. Place your legal, online bets at BetMGM. New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Sabres at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 5, Sabres 2

Money line (ML)

Backing the Islanders (-225) will mean you need to risk more than two times your potential return, which is just a little more expensive than my personal money line limit of -180.

PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS -1.5 (+125) is the way to go, even with their backup netminder. The rookie Sorokin has been special, especially against the Sabres, beating them twice, including the one shutout.

The Isles won Thursday’s game against the Sabres 5-2, and they took Saturday’s matinee game 5-2, so why change things up now?

That’s three puck line covers in four meetings to date.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (+110) is plus-money, and it worked out the past two meetings in this three-game set. New York has the potential to take care of the Over all on its own, and as long as Buffalo can sneak at least one or two past Sorokin, the Over is a good play yet again.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Buffalo Sabres (6-12-3) play the second of a three-game set on the road against the New York Islanders (13-6-4) Saturday for a 1 p.m. ET puck drop at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Below, we analyze the Sabres-Islanders odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Sabres at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:05 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Sabres +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Islanders -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Sabres +1.5 (-155) | Islanders -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +120 | U: -145)

Sabres at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton (1-6-1, 3.18 GAA, .891 SV%) vs. Semyon Varlamov (10-4-3, 2.10 GAA, .927 SV%, 3 SO)

Hutton is projected as the starter after Jonas Johansson allowed five goals on 45 shots in Thursday’s series opener on the Island. With a back-to-back Saturday and Sunday, we’ll likely see Johansson again Sunday.

Hutton has really struggled, winning his only start Jan. 18 in Philadelphia. He has dropped his past five starts, including a 3-0 loss at home against the Islanders. Hutton was actually solid in that one, turning aside 21 of 23 shots, but the offense gave him no support.

Varlamov was sharp Tuesday in New Jersey, stopping 28 of 29 shots, and he was just 12 seconds shy of his fourth shutout of the season. He is projected to make his third start of the season against the Sabres.

Varlamov is 2-0-0 with a 1.50 GAA and .947 SV% in his two previous starts this season against Buffalo. Look for the Isles to roll on in the second of this three-game series.

Special NHL Betting Promotion! Bet $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team scores a goal in the game. Betting offer available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. Place your legal, online bets at BetMGM. New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Sabres at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 5, Sabres 2

Money line (ML)

The Islanders (-225) will cost you two times your potential return, and while they’re expected to win against the Sabres (+185), there is just no value here. Play the puck line for a better wager. PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS -1.5 (+125) is a much better play on home ice against the offensively-challenged Sabres +1.5 (-155). They won Thursday’s game by a 5-2 count against the Sabres, and they have covered the puck line in two of the previous three meetings with Buffalo so far this season.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (+120) will cost you a little extra, but the Islanders have the potential to take care of the Over on their own with little help from the Sabres.

If Buffalo can contribute anything, the Over is a solid play. They have totaled three goals in the first three meetings with New York, so don’t expect much more than a goal or two, though.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Buffalo Sabres (6-11-3) square off with the New York Islanders (12-6-4) Thursday with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Below, we analyze the Sabres-Islanders odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Sabres at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Sabres +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Islanders -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Sabres +1.5 (-175) | Islanders -1.5 (+145)
  • Over/Under: 5 (O: -130 | U: +115)

Sabres at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton (1-6-1, 3.18 GAA, .891 SV%) vs. Semyon Varlamov (10-4-3, 2.10 GAA, .927 SV%, 3 SO)

Hutton is handling the everyday duties with Linus Ullmark on the shelf due to injury. Hutton has dropped five straight starts, including a 3-0 loss at home against the Islanders Feb. 16. He allowed 2 goals on 23 shots.

Varlamov allowed just one goal on 29 shots Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils, and he was 14 seconds away from his fourth shutout of the season before a late goal with an extra attacker. He is 2-0-0 with a 3 goals allowed and a .947 SV% in his two starts against the Sabres this season. Varlamov is also 6-0-2 with a 2.09 GAA and .934 SV% in eight starts at home.

Special NHL Betting Promotion! Bet $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team scores a goal in the game. Betting offer available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. Place your legal, online bets at BetMGM. New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Sabres at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 5, Sabres 1

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-200) are slightly over my personal money line limit of -180, but sometimes you have to make an exception.

New York has been red-hot, vaulting within two points of the first-place Washington Capitals in the East Division. The Sabres enter on an 0-3-1 skid, and they have scored just two total goals in their previous three outings.

Facing the Islanders isn’t a cure for the ills of the Sabres, either. Buffalo has dropped six in a row against the Isles, and each of their past six trips to Long Island, as well.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS -1.5 (+145) are a good play on the puck line, as they have won by 2 or more goals in six of their past eight victories, including two of their victories over the Sabres.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (+125) on the alternate line is risky considering the Sabres have been shut out in two of their past three games, but the Islanders are 5-1-1 to the Over in their past seven home games and 3-1-2 in their past six as a home favorite.

The New York offense should be able to pile up plenty of goals against Hutton and could even take care of the Over without any help from the Sabres.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Buffalo Sabres at New York Rangers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Buffalo Sabres at New York Rangers NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Buffalo Sabres (6-10-3) travel to meet the New York Rangers (7-9-3) Tuesday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at Madison Square Garden. Below, we analyze the Sabres-Rangers odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Sabres at Rangers: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated 7:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Sabres +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Rangers -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Sabres +1.5 (-200) | Rangers -1.5 (+170)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Sabres at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton (1-5-1, 3.20 GAA, .896 SV%) vs. Igor Shesterkin (4-7-1, 2.44 GAA, .917 SV%)

Hutton will be counted on to do some heavy lifting in the next month with Linus Ullmark sidelined due to a lower-body injury. Hutton allowed three goals on 39 shots in a 3-0 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on home ice Saturday. He looked pretty good in the matinee but just didn’t receive any offensive support.

Shesterkin made a cameo in Sunday’s matinee game against the Boston Bruins, coming on for the injured Alexandar Georgiev. The latter left the game in the first period after a collision with a Boston player, but he was cleared and later returned to the game. Shesterkin hasn’t started since a 4-3 loss against the Flyers Feb. 24.

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Sabres at Rangers: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Rangers 4, Sabres 1

Money line (ML)

The RANGERS (-160) are rather moderate favorites for this one, but that’s likely because the Sabres are a bit banged up. Buffalo C Jack Eichel returned from a lower-body injury, but he was blanked Sunday.

The Sabres just haven’t had a lot of consistency on offense, and their defense is shaky as well. Buffalo averages just 2.21 goals per game, good for 29th in the league, and it allows 2.95 goals per game to rank 19th. That’s not a good combo for winning.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The RANGERS -1.5 (+170) are worth a small-unit wager on the puck line, as they have a respectable offense and should be able to give Hutton fits.

While New York lit the lamp just once in Sunday’s loss to the B’s, it is still averaging 3.4 goals per game across its past five games.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6 (-120) is a good play. The Over hit in two of the past three games for the Blueshirts, but the Sabres were blanked in each of their last two games, and the Under is 7-1-1 across the past nine for Buffalo. The Sabres are averaging a paltry 1.56 goals per game during that nine-game span.

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New York Islanders at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s New York Islanders at Buffalo Sabres NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New York Islanders (6-4-3) visit the Buffalo Sabres (4-4-2) Monday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. Below we analyze the Islanders-Sabres NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Islanders at Sabres: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:13 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Islanders -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Sabres +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Islanders -1.5 (+195) | Sabres +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

Islanders at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov (6-2-2, 1.98 GAA, .930 SV%, 3 SO) at Linus Ullmark (3-1-2, 2.56 GAA, .914 SV%)

Varlamov has been up and down this season. He started 3-0-0 with two shutouts, and then he went 0-2-1 with 11 goals allowed in his final three starts of January. Since flipping the calendar to February, he has been hot again, going 3-0-1 with a 1.96 GAA and .937 SV% in four starts.

Ullmark has had a flare for the dramatic so far this season. Four of his past five games have not been decided in regulation. He has two wins and a loss in a shootout, and a loss in overtime. He has allowed three or fewer goals in each of his six appearances.

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Islanders at Sabres: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 3, Sabres 1

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-140) have actually struggled on the road, going 1-6 in the past seven away from the Island. However, a meeting with the Sabres might be the elixir to cure their ills on the road. New York has won eight of the past 10 meetings in this series. Buffalo is just 2-10 in its past 12 as an underdog.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS -1.5 (+195) are worth a small-unit play as you can nearly double up if the Isles hit the puck line. New York has covered the puck line in each of its past two wins, and four of its six victories.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-130) is the best play on the board in this game as Varlamov and Ullmark have had it on lockdown this season. Ullmark has allowed three or fewer goals in each of his six starts so far, while Varlamov has allowed three or fewer goals in nine of his 10 outings. This will be a defensive slog with very few scoring chances.

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