- Matchup: New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres
- Event Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
- Venue: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
- Broadcast: MSG Network
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The New York Islanders (42-27-5) are headed to KeyBank Center on Tuesday, where they aim to clash with the Buffalo Sabres (45-21-8).
In their last game, the New York Islanders secured a convincing 5-2 win against the Panthers. The Islanders showcased a powerful offensive display, converting 5 out of 40 shots taken. They also capitalized on 1 out of 3 power play opportunities, accumulating 2 penalty minutes during the match.
While playing at equal strength, the Islanders have conceded 168 goals, while netting 176 themselves. Their opponents have had 195 power play chances against them (ranking 27th overall) and have scored 36 times during those opportunities. For this season, the Islanders have registered a total of 212 goals (21st in the NHL) while allowing 204 goals. With 2,091 shots taken, they hold a shooting percentage of 10.1%. Currently, they have accumulated 89 points, leading to a points percentage of .601. The Islanders have faced 2,069 shots from opponents and maintain a save percentage of .901. They’ve had 219 power play chances and successfully scored 36 times, giving them a 16.44% success rate on the power play.
In goal, they will rely on David Rittich, who has appeared in 258 NHL games. Rittich has a career win-loss record of 122-80-29, having started in 231 of those games. Throughout his career, he has faced 6,715 shots against, making 6,063 saves with a goals against average of 2.82. His save percentage stands at .903, and he has accumulated 124 quality starts, achieving a quality starts rate of .537.
The Buffalo Sabres faced off against the Kraken in their last matchup, which ended in a 2-2 draw. In that game, they had 3 power play opportunities and capitalized on 1 of them, while scoring 2 goals from a total of 36 shots.
The Sabres have attempted 2,082 shots so far (ranking 14th in the league) with a shooting percentage of 12.20%. Opponents have taken 2,175 shots against them. Buffalo has an impressive penalty kill rate of 81.95%, fending off 205 power play attempts, while their save percentage is currently at 90.0%. The team has managed 220 power play opportunities, converting 20.91% of them. At even strength, the Sabres have scored 208 goals and added 46 on the power play (ranking 14th in the NHL). They have conceded a total of 218 goals, distributed between 181 at even strength and 37 while down a man. This season, the Buffalo Sabres have accumulated 254 goals, earning them 98 points and a points percentage of .662.
Protecting the goal for Buffalo will be Alex Lyon. This season, the opposition averages 2.95 goals per game against him, with Lyon giving up a total of 392 goals. He holds a quality start percentage of 55.6% and has achieved 74 quality starts throughout his career. Lyon has played in 133 games, accumulating 6,072 minutes of ice time. With a career record of 71-47-15 across 148 games, he has made 3,668 saves out of 4,060 shot attempts, resulting in a save percentage of .903.
Who will take the win in tonight’s NHL contest against the spread or the moneyline?
Expert’s Recommendation: Bet on Buffalo
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