NHL: Islanders vs. Sabres Picks and Odds | March 31, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Published: Tue Mar 31, 2026, 12:05 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nhl
Time is running out to get into the playoffs. The New York Islanders will travel north to take on the Buffalo Sabres. These two teams last played in January and the Sabres won 5-0.
Buffalo is 45-21-8 this season and is currently tied for first in the Atlantic Division. They come into this game off a win over the Kraken on Saturday in a shootout. The Sabres are 6-2-2 in their last ten games and 23-10-4 at home this year.
It's been a heck of a ride of this team so far. They are at the top of the division for this first time in over a decade. Buffalo fans have had a lot to celebrate this season and are most definitely looking forward to hopefully a big playoff run.
The offense on this team is solid. They rank in the top of the league for goals scored per game and shooting percentage. On defense, they rank tenth in goals allowed and have the fifth best penalty kill in the league.
Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected it get the start. He is 18-8-3 this season with a 2.47 GAA and a .911 save percentage. Luukkonen has split time well with fellow goalie Alex Lyon.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
New York needs to bounce back after horrible loss last night
Islanders forward Mat Barzal works the puck around the Sabres net with defenseman Mattias Samuelsson on him.
The Islanders are 42-28-5 this year and are third in the Metro Division. The come into this game off a bad loss to the Penguins yesterday by a score of 8-3. New York is 5-5-0 in their last ten games and 21-15-3 on the road.
Last night was a huge game for the Islanders where they could've grown a lead for second place in the division. They went up 2-0 early and then made it 3-1. It all went downhill from there as they allowed seven unanswered goals.
On offense, they have been performing and giving the goal some back up. It's on defense where everything is falling apart. Defense has been the Islanders strong point this season, and they completely lost it last night.
In net, we're expected to see David Rittich. He is 14-9-3 this season with a 2.61 GAA and a .895 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get into the Islanders vs. Sabres picks.
New York Islanders vs. Buffalo Sabres Betting Odds and Game Information
Islanders vs. Sabres Betting Odds – March 31
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Islanders | +1.5 (-155) | +155 | Over 6.5 (+115) |
| Buffalo Sabres | -1.5 (+130) | -185 | Under 6.5 (-135) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Islanders vs. Sabres Game Information
- Venue: KeyBank Arena, Buffalo, NY
- Date: Tuesday March 31, 2026
- Puck Drop: 7 p.m. EST
- TV: MSGSN2, MSG-B, ESPN+
New York Islanders vs. Montreal Canadiens Picks and Prediction
Sabres forward Jason Zucker celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.
Islanders vs. Sabres Picks and Predictions: Game Total Under 6.5 Goals (-135) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
I for some reason see a flat game here. The Islanders coming off the back-to-back has to be noted, but not a far travel. Last night was deflating for them, so I could see them not being as sharp. Not to mention they'll be playing a tough team.
Buffalo needs the win just as bad as the Islanders do. I see them playing a smart game and making it a chess match. If they can get quality shots then they will find the back of the net vs. Rittich, who played a portion of last night. I lead with the Sabres to win here.
Give me Matthew Schaefer to continue to fire the puck. I like his 3 or more shots on goal paired with a point as well as his 4 or more shots on goal straight. This kid is fantastic and is honestly just getting better by the game. He shows up in big game moments.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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