Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is thane York Islanders taking on the Buffalo Sabresto check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Islanders 0-2 Sabres
How to Watch: US TV: MSG Buffalo; MSGSN2; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet+.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the New York Islanders and the Buffalo Sabres. The Isles are expected to start David Rittich after Ilya Sorokin got the call against the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. New York holds the last automatic Metropolitan Division playoff spot, but doesn’t want to get sucked into the Wild Card race. Rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer has five assists in his last 10 games.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the likely starter for the Sabres, who are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. The surprising Sabres are going for the three-game season sweep of the Isles and keep pace with the Tampa Bay Lightning for first place in the Atlantic Division. Tage Thompson leads in goals (37), assists (39), and points (76) so far this season.
This is a pivotal game for different reasons. However, the Sabres pick up the key win.
Prediction: Sabres win 4-2.