Like the Sabres, the Islanders have done well (9-3-1) in the second game of back-to-backs this season. They hosted Pittsburgh on Monday, losing 8-3 in a possible first-round playoff preview.
First-overall pick Matthew Schaefer has 56 points (22+34) and is almost certain to win the Calder Trophy. He could break the NHL record for goals by a rookie defenseman (24, Mark Howe, 1979-80).
New York’s big trade deadline pickup was Luke Schenn’s younger brother, Brayden, who’s got eight points (4+4) in 12 games with the Islanders.
Vezina Trophy candidate Ilya Sorokin played Monday and was pulled with 12 minutes remaining. He did start back-to-back nights on March 21 and 22, so it’s unclear if he or backup David Rittich will get the net in Buffalo.
The Sabres have beaten Rittich and the Islanders both times this season: a 3-2 shootout at home on Dec. 21, and a 5-0 road shutout on Jan. 22. Thompson, Dahlin and Jason Zucker each have two goals in the season series, highlighted by Dahlin’s end-to-end beauty on home ice.