Betting tips from AI for Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders, 20 December 2025.

Buffalo gets New York at KeyBank Center in a matchup primed for chaos. Pick Sixty Sports expects a goal-fest (over 5.5) as Buffalo’s high-tempo home attack tests an Islanders defense already missing Casey Cizikas, Ethan Bear and Alexander Romanov.
The injury picture worsens for New York — Mathew Barzal questionable, Bo Horvat out, Conor Timmins sidelined and Tyson Kozak iffy — stripping depth and playmaking. Buffalo have won 4 of 5 and look far more settled at home while the Isles limp in despite recent wins.
Given the 55% lean from simulations, home form and the depth gap, the clear value is the Sabres moneyline at 2.06 against the Islanders at 3.05; the draw line at 4.20 offers no edge here.

Tonight's NHL clash between the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders at KeyBank Center sets up as a prime opportunity for the home side. The Sabres, red-hot on home ice with 4 wins in their last 5, look to capitalize on an Islanders squad crippled by injuries.

New York's defensive core is in crisis, with key players like Casey Cizikas, Ethan Bear, and Alexander Romanov sidelined. This exposes major vulnerabilities, a point echoed by Pick Sixty Sports predicting a 'goal-fest' and over 5.5 total goals due to Buffalo's attacking style against a 'shaky defense'. Adding to the Islanders' woes, offensive stalwarts Mathew Barzal (questionable) and Bo Horvat (out) are also missing, significantly blunting their attack.

Dimers' simulations already favor the Sabres at 55%, installing them with a 1.67 moneyline. Given the Islanders' extensive injury list and the Sabres' strong home form, the 2.06 odds for Buffalo present excellent value. The Sabres are hungry for points and are well-positioned to dominate this match against a severely depleted Islanders roster.

The Buffalo Sabres emerge as the smart play here despite their modest 2.06 odds. Buffalo's home-ice advantage at KeyBank Center has translated into tangible results, with the team winning 4 of their last 5 home games and building momentum at a crucial point in their season.

Meanwhile, the Islanders are facing a defensive crisis that can't be overstated. With Cizikas, Bear, and Romanov all sidelined, their blueline looks extremely vulnerable. Add potential absences from offensive catalysts Barzal and Horvat, and New York appears severely compromised heading into a hostile environment.

Dimers' simulations give Buffalo a 55% win probability, which aligns with the visible evidence. The Sabres' attacking style should capitalize on the Islanders' depleted defensive corps, likely creating the goal-fest that Pick Sixty Sports anticipates.

With Buffalo finding their stride at home and the Islanders limping in with significant injury concerns, back the Sabres to secure a home victory in what could be a high-scoring affair.

The Buffalo Sabres are primed to capitalize on a golden opportunity at KeyBank Center against a battered New York Islanders squad. With the Isles' defense in shambles—Casey Cizikas, Ethan Bear, and Alexander Romanov out, plus Mathew Barzal questionable and Bo Horvat sidelined—Buffalo's high-tempo attack should exploit every gap. Pick Sixty Sports nails it: this matchup screams over 5.5 goals, as the Islanders' shaky backline crumbles under pressure.

Dimers' simulations back the Sabres at 55% probability, aligning with their home dominance. Buffalo's won four of their last five at home, sitting at 14-14-4 and desperate for points, while New York staggers in at 19-12-3 despite snagging three from their recent five. The odds reflect this tilt: Sabres at 2.06, Islanders at 3.05, and draw at 4.20.

Betting $1 on Buffalo here is a sharp play—value screams from their edge in chaos hockey. Expect the Sabres to pounce early and secure a gritty win, padding our bankroll in this lopsided affair.

The Buffalo Sabres are surging at home with four wins in their last five games, leveraging their aggressive tempo to challenge opponents. New York Islanders face a defensive crisis with Casey Cizikas and Alexander Romanov out, compounded by offensive injuries like Bo Horvat's absence and Mathew Barzal's questionable status.

Dimers' simulations favor Buffalo at 55%, and with odds at 2.06, the Sabres present strong value. Expect a high-scoring affair, but Buffalo's home edge and the Islanders' vulnerabilities should secure a victory.

This matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders carries significant weight given the context of injuries, recent form, and betting odds. The Sabres have been thriving at home, winning 4 of their last 5 games, and they're positioned as favorites in this contest. Dimers' simulations reflect that confidence, giving Buffalo a 55% chance to win outright with a 1.67 implied moneyline. Their aggressive style could exploit the Islanders' glaring defensive vulnerabilities.

Speaking of defense, the Islanders are in crisis mode. Missing key contributors like Casey Cizikas, Ethan Bear, and Alexander Romanov leaves them exposed against Buffalo's high-tempo attack. Factor in Bo Horvat's absence and Mathew Barzal's questionable status, and New York’s firepower takes a major hit. Even if Tyson Kozak plays, it won't be enough to stabilize their fragile structure. These absences make backing the Islanders at 3.05 feel like a risky proposition despite the enticing odds.

The over/under narrative adds another layer. Pick Sixty Sports anticipates chaos, projecting over 5.5 goals—a plausible outcome considering both teams' tendencies. However, for predicting a winner, the scales tip firmly toward Buffalo. At 2.06, the Sabres offer solid value relative to their likelihood of victory, especially at KeyBank Center where they've shown resilience.

While the Islanders have a slightly better overall record (19-12-3 vs. 14-14-4), their current struggles neutralize any advantage. A draw seems unlikely given the chaotic style expected from both squads. This sets up Buffalo as the clear choice to maximize profit on this bet.