New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction, 3/31/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres

Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Location: KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY

TV: MSG Network

The New York Islanders (42-27-5) are en route to KeyBank Center on Tuesday where they will attempt to beat the Buffalo Sabres (45-21-8).

The New York Islanders were on the winning side of the scoreboard with a 5-2 victory against the Panthers in their previous outing. The Islanders had a solid offensive performance in this victory. While out there on the ice, they converted 5 of the 40 shots they attempted. Furthermore, they had 3 chances with the advantage and netted 1 goal. New York accrued 2 penalty mins in this contest.

When at even strength, the Islanders have surrendered 168 goals while having 176 on offense. New York Islanders opponents have 195 power play opportunities (27th in pro hockey) and have a total of 36 goals in those chances. With regard to their scoring capabilities, the New York Islanders have accumulated 212 goals (21st in the league) so far this season and have conceded 204. New York has taken 2,091 shots and has a shot percentage of 10.1%. For the year, they have tallied 89 points and their points % is .601. The Islanders have seen 2,069 shots tried against them and hold a save percentage of .901. New York has accumulated 219 power play opportunities and they have tallied 36 goals out of those attempts, giving them a percentage of 16.44%.

The man protecting the net in this game is David Rittich. Rittich has played in 258 matchups over the course of his pro hockey career. He has earned a win-loss mark of 122-80-29 and he was named the starter in 231 games. Opponents have scored 652 goals versus Rittich in his NHL career and his goals against rate is 2.82. Rittich has seen 6,715 shot attempts against him and has gathered 6,063 saves. He has a save percentage of .903 during his 12,256 mins on the ice. For his career, Rittich has accumulated 124 quality starts and his quality starts rate sits at .537.

Their last time out, Buffalo went up against the Kraken in a game where the Sabres got the tie by a mark of 2-2. They had 3 chances on the power play in this contest and converted 1 out of those opportunities. The Sabres scored 2 goals of the 36 shots on goal they were seeking.

Buffalo has put up 2,082 shots (14th in the league) and has earned a shot percentage of 12.20%, while allowing their opponents 2,175 shots. They have accumulated a penalty kill rate of 81.95% on their oppositions 205 power play tries, and their save percentage currently comes in at 90.0%. They have recorded 220 power play chances and they have earned a power play percentage of 20.91%. The Sabres have earned 208 goals at even strength and 46 goals (14th in professional hockey) while on the power play. They have allowed 218 goals to be scored by of a combination of 181 goals at even strength and 37 goals while they had less men on the ice. For the year, the Buffalo Sabres have earned a total of 254 goals, 98 points, as well as a points percentage of .662.

Across the rink you will find Alex Lyon in goal. The opposition is averaging 2.95 goals/game and he has yielded 392 goals altogether. Lyon's percentage of quality starts comes out to 55.6% and he has qualified for 74 quality starting assignments in his professional career. He has started in 133 games and has racked up 6,072 minutes. Lyon has a lifetime mark of 71-47-15 and has been in net for 148 games. He is sitting with 3,668 stops out of 4,060 shots attempted, giving him a save percentage of .903.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Guy's Pick: Take Buffalo

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