Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Saturday January 24 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 01/24/2026, 12:00 AM ET

The Buffalo Sabres visit the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with puck drop set for 1:00 PM. The game will be televised on ESPN+, MSG Buffalo, and MSGSN. Buffalo enters as +102 road underdogs, while New York is favored at -122 on the moneyline. The total is set at 6.5 goals, with the Over priced at +114 and the Under at -135. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily hockey betting insight.

Sabres Looking to Carry Road Momentum

Buffalo comes into this matchup with a 28-17-5 overall record and a 12-11-2 mark on the road. The Sabres recently won over Montreal and Nashville and also picked up another win against Montreal, while suffering losses to Carolina and Minnesota, including an overtime defeat.

From a statistical standpoint, Buffalo is averaging 3.28 goals per game while allowing 3.10 goals against. They generate 27.6 shots per game but give up 29.8 shots defensively. Their power play has produced 28 goals with a 19.0% conversion rate.

One area where Buffalo has stood out is special teams defense. The Sabres own an 83.2% penalty kill and have yet to allow a shorthanded goal this season, while scoring seven shorthanded goals of their own.

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Islanders Aiming to Protect Home Ice

New York enters with a 27-18-5 overall record and a strong 14-8-2 mark at home. The Islanders recently earned wins over Vancouver and Edmonton, while dropping games to Seattle, Calgary, and Winnipeg.

The Islanders average 2.84 goals per game and allow just 2.72 goals against. They generate 27.8 shots per contest and limit opponents to 28.3 shots per game.

Special teams have been inconsistent for New York. Their power play is converting at just 15.9%, though the penalty kill remains solid at 82.1%, helping keep games tight at home.

Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders Pick

Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders Moneyline Pick

Pick: Buffalo Sabres +102

Buffalo has been playing with confidence on the road and brings the more reliable special teams into this matchup. With New York struggling to generate consistent offense, the plus-money value on the Sabres is appealing.

Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders Total Pick

Pick: Under 6.5

I like the Under in this spot because the Islanders tend to play slower, lower-scoring games at home, and both teams are capable of tightening up defensively at even strength.

Final Score Prediction: Islanders 3, Sabres 2

This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Friday.

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