Free NHL Hockey Prediction: Islanders vs. Sabres NHL Odds
Looking for New York Islanders vs. Buffalo Sabres free hockey plays & NHL Odds? NHL betting sees the Islanders taking on the Sabres on Friday December 16th at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL Hockey matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL hockey predictions.
(11-12-5) New York Islanders vs. Buffalo Sabres (11-11-6)
Date: Friday, December 16th
Time: 7:00PM
Venue: First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York
NHL Hockey Moneyline Odds: Buffalo -126
NHL Hockey Puck Line Odds: Buffalo -1.5
NHL Betting Total: 5
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The Islanders are last in the Metropolitan Division and looking to find a way to win. Meanwhile, the return of Jack Eichel has given the Buffalo Sabres some life and the team is hoping to gain some ground and escape last place in the Atlantic Division.
New York Islanders
The Islanders are 2-2-1 in the last five games and are trying to dig themselves out of a last place hole in the Metropolitan Division.
Captain John Tavares is playing well for the Islanders this year. He has nine goals and 13 assists on the season, including three goals in the last five games. However, he alone cannot get it done and propel this team out of last place in the division.
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Fortunately, center Anders Lee has also been playing very well recently. He’s put up three goals and two assists over the last five games and has 11 points on the year (8G, 3A).
But Lee and Tavares aren’t enough night and in night out. The Islanders have dropped to 22nd in goals for in the NHL, while the defense is 19th in goals against. Not exactly a recipe for success, especially in the toughest division in the league.
Every game is key for the Islanders.
They can’t afford many more losses if they want any chance of making a playoff push. However, considering how good the top five teams in the Metropolitan are, it’s going to be a long shot no matter what.
Buffalo Sabres
The return of Jack Eichel has been good for this Buffalo Sabres team.
However, the goal-scoring still isn’t there for almost anyone besides Eichel. While Eichel has four goals in his last five games, the team still ranks dead last in goals for this year.
There is some hope in changing that, though. Since Eichel’s return, the Sabres have put up three or more goals in five of the last seven games. The goal-scoring was slightly marred by two one-goal performances but the team does look a bit better offensively.
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The defense has been the strong suit this season. Ranked 8th in goals against, the Sabres have had some really good defensive efforts and have shut down some teams that are much superior offensively.
Buffalo needs to have a very strong game on the defensive end to beat the Islanders and try to climb a couple of spots in the close Atlantic Division.
NHL Betting Trends:
- Buffalo is 6-1 ATS in last seven games
- The Total has gone OVER in four of the Islanders last five games
Free New York Islanders vs. Buffalo Sabres NHL Hockey Prediction:
Jack Eichel’s return has gotten this Sabres team fired up offensively. Two struggling teams taking the ice against each other might not make for the prettiest hockey, but I think that Buffalo will get the W at home and get its second win in a row.
4* Free NHL Betting Pick: Buffalo -126
New York can’t win on the road. The Islanders are 2-7-1 this season. This should be a W at home for the Sabres on Thursday night. Buffalo hasn’t been fantastic at home, by any means, but the team is playing better in December.
NHL Free Score Prediction: New York 2 – Buffalo 3
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