- Matchup: New York Islanders vs. Buffalo Sabres
- Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
- Venue: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
- Broadcast: MSG Network
- Betting Odds: Islanders (-145) | Sabres (+125)
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This Saturday, the Buffalo Sabres (14-14-4) will host the New York Islanders (19-12-3) at the KeyBank Center. The betting lines for this contest show New York favored at -145, while Buffalo is positioned at +125, with a total over/under of 6.5.
In their latest encounter, the New York Islanders faced a challenging game against the Red Wings, suffering a close 3-2 loss. New York committed 4 penalty minutes during the game and had one opportunity on the power play but failed to capitalize. The Islanders struggled offensively, converting just 2 of their 18 shot attempts.
To date, New York Islanders opponents have garnered a total of 96 power play opportunities (ranking 19th in the league) and scored 17 goals during these attempts. The Islanders have faced 957 shots against them, showcasing a solid save percentage of .903. With 971 shots attempted, New York maintains a shooting percentage of 10.2%. While at even strength, the Islanders have conceded 76 goals while scoring 81. They have been awarded 109 power play opportunities, scoring 18 goals for an efficiency of 16.51%. In the current season, the Islanders have accumulated 41 points with a points percentage of .603. Overall, they have scored 99 goals (ranking 17th in the NHL) and allowed 93 goals against.
David Rittich will be the goaltender for New York in this matchup. Over his career, Rittich has secured 117 quality starts, with a quality start rate of .544. His career save percentage stands at .904 across 12,218 minutes in net. He has faced 6,325 shots, making 5,717 saves. Throughout his NHL journey, Rittich has conceded 608 goals, maintaining an average of 2.83 goals against per game. He holds a career record of 115-74-27 after starting in 215 games, with a total of 241 games played in professional hockey.
In their previous game, Buffalo secured a victory against the Kraken with a final score of 3-1. Despite being awarded 2 power play opportunities during the match, they couldn’t find the net. The Sabres managed to score 3 goals from 23 shots on goal.
The Sabres have tallied 76 goals at even strength and 20 goals (ranking 15th in the NHL) while on the power play. Buffalo has taken 907 shots (21st in the league) with a shooting percentage of 10.58%, allowing opponents 954 shots. This season, the Buffalo Sabres have amassed 96 goals, 32 points, and a points percentage of .500. They’ve allowed a total of 109 goals against, including 95 at even strength and 14 while short-handed. With 99 power play opportunities, their efficiency stands at 20.20%, and they feature an 84.95% penalty kill against 93 power plays faced, along with an 88.6% save percentage.
Starting in goal for Buffalo will be Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. He boasts a career record of 75-70-16 over 165 games played, with a quality start rate of 52.5%, achieving 84 quality starts in his career. Luukkonen has made 4,200 saves on 4,681 shots, with a save rate of .897. Opponents average 3.01 goals per game against him, having conceded a total of 481 goals across his career. Luukkonen has started in 160 games and has logged 8,239 minutes in net.
Who will come out on top in tonight’s NHL clash against the spread or moneyline?
Expert Prediction: Take New York (-145)
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