Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders odds, picks and prediction

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

The Buffalo Sabres (4-4-2) play the first of a two-game road set against the New York Islanders (3-4-2) at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Tuesday for a 6 p.m. ET puck drop. Below, we analyze the Sabres-Islanders NHL odds and lines, with 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 7:15 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Sabres +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Islanders -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Sabres +1.5 (-250) | Islanders -1.5 (+200)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Sabres at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Linus Ullmark (3-1-2, 2.56 GAA, .914 SV%) at Semyon Varlamov (3-2-1, 2.00 GAA, .924 SV%, 2 SO)

Ullmark is projected as the starter. He is coming off a 4-3 shootout win over New Jersey on Saturday. He allowed just three goals on 34 shots in that seesaw affair. Ullmark coughed up three goals on 26 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss in New York Dec. 14, 2019 in his only appearance against the Islanders last season.

Varlamov started out like a ball of fire, posting shutouts in his first two outings, while winning each of his first three with only one goal allowed. The bottom has dropped out as he has gone 0-2-1 with a 3.64 GAA and .855 save percentage across his past three starts.

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Sabres at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 4, Sabres 2

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-135) are a good bet to bounce back on home ice. The Sabres (+115) are just 2-10 across their past 12 as an underdog, and they have dropped eight of the past 10 meetings with the Isles, including each of their past five on the Island.

Against the spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS -1.5 (+200) are worth a look with the potential to double up, although they’re only worth a small-unit wager. This is risky the way Varlamov has been leaking oil lately but worth a shot based upon Buffalo’s awful trends in the series.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (+110) is a good value at plus-money, although it might take a late empty-net goal to get you across the finish line. You’ll be going against all recent team trends and series trends, which point to the Under being the play. But based upon Varly’s shoddy play lately, and Buffalo allowing 11 goals over the past three outings, the Over is worth a look.

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New Jersey Devils at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and prediction

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

The New Jersey Devils (3-3-2) travel to meet the Buffalo Sabres (4-3-2) at KeyBank Center Sunday for a 1 p.m. ET puck drop. Below, we analyze the Devils-Sabres NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Devils at Sabres: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:13 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Devils +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Sabres -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Devils +1.5 (-200) | Sabres -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Devils at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Scott Wedgewood (1-3-0, 2.80 GAA, .900 SV%, 1 SO) at Carter Hutton (1-2-0, 2.65 GAA, .899 SV%)

Wedgewood held his own in a 4-3 shootout loss to these same Sabres Saturday afternoon. He is expected to get the start yet again, as G Mackenzie Blackwood didn’t travel with the team as he remains on the COVID-19 list.

Hutton is expected to be ready to go after missing time due to an undisclosed injury – he last played Jan. 19. If not, it will be G Linus Ullmark again. Ullmark stopped 31 of 34 shots and all three shootout attempts in Saturday’s win against the Devs.

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Devils at Sabres: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Devils 3, Sabres 2

Money line (ML)

The DEVILS (+140) came up short Saturday, but they should be able to cash in the second end of this double dip. While New Jersey is 0-4 in the past four trips to Buffalo, the Devils have connected in 12 of the previous 17 meetings in this series.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Devils +1.5 (-200) will cost you two times your potential return. There is no reason for the insurance, especially at this price. Just take the Devils on the money line instead. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-110) is the way to go. The Devils enter with the Under hitting in six of the past eight games as road underdogs, and they’re 7-3 in the past 10 on the road dating back to last season. The Under has cashed in five in a row for Buffalo following a victory, while going 5-2-1 in its past eight at home. The Under is also 4-1 in the past five in the second end of a back-to-back situation. With an early-afternoon puck drop following a day game, the legs should be awfully sluggish, too.

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New York Rangers at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and prediction

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

The New York Rangers (1-4-1) travel to meet the Buffalo Sabres (3-3-1) at KeyBank Center Thursday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. Below, we analyze the Rangers-Sabres NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rangers at Sabres: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:34 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rangers -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Sabres -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Rangers +1.5 (-300) | Sabres -1.5 (+230)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Rangers at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Igor Shesterkin (0-2-1, 2.98 GAA, .886 SV%) at Linus Ullmark (2-1-1, 2.42 GAA, .912 SV%)

Shesterkin is confirmed for the crease, and he is looking to secure his first victory of the season. He has allowed three or more goals in each of his three starts. This will be his first-career appearances against the Sabres.

Ullmark is expected to get the nod for the homestanding Sabres. He rolls in on a two-start winning streak, including a 28-save effort in Tuesday’s 3-2 win in the front end of the back-to-back with the Blueshirts.

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Rangers at Sabres: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Sabres 3, Rangers 2

Money line (ML)

The SABRES (-110) are the play here, although confidence is not terribly high. The Rangers are going to break out at some point, but they just haven’t shown a lot of consistency on offense outside of their top scoring line. While the Rangers are 8-3 in their past 11 trips to Western New York, the home team is 6-2 across the past eight in this series.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Sabres -1.5 (+230) are an awfully tempting play as you can more than double up with a cover. However, Tuesday’s victory against the Rangers was a one-goal win. Just one of the Sabres’ three victories so far would have covered the puck line. Conversely, you can’t play the Rangers +1.5 (-300) at three times your return. The best bet is to AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 6 (-105) connected Tuesday, and this one is a likely Under or a potential push. There is very little chance this one goes Over. The Under is 2-1 in Buffalo’s three games at home, and the Rangers have cashed the Under in two of their three on the road, and four of six overall.

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New York Rangers at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and prediction

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

The New York Rangers (1-3-1) and Buffalo Sabres (2-3-1) will play each other twice in the next three days at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y. Tuesday’s puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Rangers-Sabres NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rangers at Sabres: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:52 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rangers -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Sabres -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Rangers +1.5 (-300) | Sabres -1.5 (+240)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Rangers at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (1-1-0, .907 SV%, 2.40 GAA) vs. Linus Ullmark (1-1-1, .905 SV%, 2.55 GAA)

Georgiev started his season with a 23-save shutout against the rival New York Islanders, but he was torched for 4 goals on 20 shots in just two periods of work a week ago and hasn’t seen the ice since. He played the Sabres once last year and allowed 3 goals on 28 shots in a regulation loss.

Carter Hutton (undisclosed) is reportedly close to rejoining the lineup but Ullmark is expected to make a third start in five days. He stopped 28 of 31 shots against the Washington Capitals Sunday for his first win of the season.

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Rangers at Sabres: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Rangers 3, Sabres 2

Money line (ML)

The two teams are pretty evenly matched in key analytics of Corsi For percentage and scoring chances for at 5-on-5. The Sabres’ power-play unit has been the better of the two with 6 goals in 22 opportunities, while the Rangers have just 4 goals in 23 chances with the man advantage.

We can also give an edge to Georgiev in the goaltending battle. His two starts thus far couldn’t have gone much differently, but the season-opening shutout seems to be closer to what should be expected.

Ullmark has seen an increased workload with Hutton on the shelf and could begin to tire out against a Rangers team throwing 44.2 pucks toward the net, including blocked and missed shots, per game.

Against the spread (ATS)

AVOID the puck line. It’s rarely a profitable endeavor in NHL betting and that’s certainly the case between two evenly matched teams from the East Division.

Buffalo went to a shootout in back-to-back games against the Capitals and the Rangers have played to three straight 1-goal losses, with one against the Pittsburgh Penguins going to a shootout.

Over/Under (O/U)

Play the UNDER 6 (-105) while expecting Georgiev to bounce back from his awful outing against the Devils.

The Sabres are 4-2 against the Over/Under, but they’re playing to a modest 5.83 goals per game. The Rangers are combing for just 5.40 goals per game with their opponents.

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Buffalo Sabres at Washington Capitals odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Buffalo Sabres at Washington Capitals NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Buffalo Sabres (1-3-1) are on the road to face the Washington Capitals (3-0-2) for a 3 p.m. ET puck drop Sunday. Below, we analyze the Sabres-Capitals odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Sabres at Capitals: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:42 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Sabres -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Capitals +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Sabres -1.5 (+200) | Capitals +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Sabres at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Linus Ullmark (0-1-1, 2.44 GAA, .906 SV%) at Vitek Vanecek (2-0-1, 2.90 GAA, .898 SV%)

Ullmark is expected to be the starter in the second end of the back-to-back with G Carter Hutton dealing with an injury and unlikely to be ready. Ullmark kept the Sabres in Friday’s opener in D.C., allowing three goals on 32 shots in a 4-3 shootout loss.

Vanecek allowed three goals on 27 shots in the shootout win, shutting down the Sabres for the final 21:11 of regulation and overtime, too. His save against C Sam Reinhart in the shootout sealed the victory. Vanecek started in place of G Ilya Samsonov, who is away from the team due to COVID-19 protocol.

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Sabres at Capitals: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Sabres 4, Capitals 3

Money line (ML)

The SABRES (-130) came up short by a 4-3 count Friday despite the fact the Capitals were without LW Alex Ovechkin, C Evgeny Kuznetsov and D Dmitry Orlov due to contact tracing.

If you bet the Sabres Friday and were stung in the shootout, you have to forget about it and roll the dice on them again. It’s a golden opportunity for the Sabres to pick up a road win with the Caps missing two of their top players and their No. 1 netminder.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Sabres -1.5 (+200) are a tempting play if you want to try to double up, but let’s just focus on them getting the win first. They’ll have a hard enough time doing that, let alone winning by 2 goals. Friday’s result left a sour taste in my mouth, personally. I know you’re supposed to take it game-by-game and forget about a tough loss, but sometimes it’s hard to forget when the wound is still fresh. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER  6 (-110) is the lean in this rematch as the Sabres look to return the favor. The Over is 4-1-1 in the past six meetings in the nation’s capital, including Friday’s total of 7 goals. And we don’t exactly have Dominik Hasek vs. Olaf Kolzig in net for this one, either.

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Buffalo Sabres at Washington Capitals odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Buffalo Sabres at Washington Capitals NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Buffalo Sabres (1-3-0) and Washington Capitals (2-0-2) square off Friday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at Capital One Arena. Below, we analyze the Sabres-Capitals NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Sabres at Capitals: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Sabres -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Capitals +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Sabres -1.5 (+200) | Capitals +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Sabres at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Linus Ullmark (0-1-0, .905 SV%, 2.07 GAA) vs. Vitek Vanecek (1-0-1, .902 SV%, 2.97 GAA)

Ullmark is back traveling with the team after the death of his father, and he could be thrust into action in both meetings in D.C. with Carter Hutton dealing with an upper-body injury.

Regular No. 1 Ilya Samsonov reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, so Vanecek is expected to get the starting nod. He won’t have Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov or Dmitry Orlov in front of him. They were also placed on the COVID-19 list.

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Sabres at Capitals: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Sabres 3, Capitals 2

Money line (ML)

The SABRES (-130) are catching a big break with Ovie and Kuznetsov out of the lineup. Take advantage of the situation and back the team at full staff.

Against the spread (ATS)

A bet on the Sabres -1.5 (+200) is awfully tempting, and perhaps playing it very, very lightly isn’t a bad move. I am just not sure I feel good about Buffalo to win by two with Ullmark in the crease, as he is thrust into action following an emotional roller coaster on the personal side.

I’ll PASS, but playing it lightly isn’t the end of the world since the big guns for the Caps are on the shelf.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 6 (-120) is a good play at even-money, even though Buffalo ranks sixth in the NHL with 3.7 goals per game, and they’re 20th defensively with 3.0 GPG allowed. Still, Washington is shorthanded and might struggle to put the biscuit in the basket.

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Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Buffalo Sabres (1-2-0) and Philadelphia Flyers (2-1-0) square off Tuesday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Below, we analyze the Sabres-Flyers NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Sabres at Flyers: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:45 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Sabres +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Flyers -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Sabres +1.5 (-200) | Flyers -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Sabres at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton (1-1-0, 3.04 GAA, .878 SV%) vs. Brian Elliott (2019-20 stats, 16-7-4, 2.87 GAA, .899 SV%)

Hutton looked sharp in the front end of this two-day double dip, making 21 saves in the 6-1 victory. It isn’t ideal to start in a back-to-back set, but Linus Ullmark missed Monday’s game due to an undisclosed personal issue, and he is considered questionable for Tuesday. It’s likely Hutton gets the nod, and that’s probably the best thing if you’re backing the Sabres anyway.

Elliott was expected to make his first appearance of the season Tuesday, and he was confirmed to start, but he was thrust into action in a relief role after Carter Hart coughed up four goals on the first 22 shots he faced in 28:09 of ice time on Monday. Elliott allowed two goals on 15 shots in his 31:51 of action.

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Sabres at Flyers: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Flyers 4, Sabres 2

Money line (ML)

The FLYERS (-160) are looking for the bounce back, and they’ll be the play against the Sabres (+135). Hutton faces the daunting task of going back-to-back and isn’t suddenly a Stanley Cup contender after one win. The Sabres were topped in two games at home against the Capitals, getting outscored 8-5, to open the season. Look for Philly to exact a little revenge here.

Against the spread (ATS)

The FLYERS -1.5 (+165) are worth a roll of the dice on the puck line. When they won their first two games against the Penguins to open the season, they also covered the puck line, winning both games by three goals. At this price it’s a tempting play if you back the home side.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is set at 6, and I expect this one to come in right on the number. Avoid, and just focus on the money line and puck line instead. PASS.

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Washington Capitals at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Washington Capitals at Buffalo Sabres NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Buffalo Sabres (0-1-0) play host to the Washington Capitals (1-0-0) in the second half of their season-opening back-to-back Friday. Puck drop at KeyBank Center will be at 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Capitals-Sabres NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Capitals opened the 2021 NHL season with a 6-4 victory Thursday. Ten different players notched a goal.

Capitals at Sabres: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:14 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Capitals -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Sabres +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Capitals -1.5 (+195) | Sabres +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Capitals at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Ilya Samsonov (1-0-0, .846 SV%, 4.00 GAA) vs. Linus Ullmark (2019-20 stats: 17-14-3, .915 SV%, 2.69 GAA)

Samsonov figures to get the bulk of the starts for the Capitals this season, his second in the NHL. He went 16-6-2 with a .913 save percentage and 2.55 goals against average while backing up Braden Holtby (now with the Vancouver Canucks) in his 2019-20 rookie season. He stopped 22 of 26 shots Thursday.

Ullmark should draw in to replace Carter Hutton, who allowed five goals on 27 shots Thursday. Ullmark enters his sixth season with the Sabres with a career save percentage of .911 and a 2.81 GAA.

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Capitals at Sabres: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Capitals 5, Sabres 2

Money line (ML)

The CAPITALS (-135) come at a fine price to complete the back-to-back sweep of the Sabres. Buffalo is expected to make a major stride forward this season, but the early schedule isn’t doing any favors. The Sabres will next head on the road for two games against the Philadelphia Flyers and another back-to-back against the Capitals in Washington, D.C.

Washington outshot Buffalo 23-17 through two periods and was up 4-2 after 40 minutes Thursday. The Sabres had pulled within one, but the Caps got a late empty-netter from RW Garnet Hathaway to seal the two-goal win.

Against the spread (ATS)

Get better value with the CAPITALS -1.5 (+195) by backing them to win by at least 2 goals. It took an empty-netter to do so Thursday, but the game was never really in question and Buffalo never held a lead.

We should expect a stronger performance from Samsonov if he does start once again. The Sabres are more likely to pivot to the lesser half of their goaltending tandem.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 6 (-110). The Capitals and Sabres hit this number within the first 39 minutes Thursday and even sloppier play should be expected in the second of back-to-back games.

The Sabres hadn’t played since March 9 before Thursday and playing two nights in a row right off the start of the season will be a big test.

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.

Follow Esten McLaren on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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