The set-up: The Sabres have a 5-7-2 record and the Islanders are 8-6-3. These teams just faced each other last week in Buffalo and the Isles took both games. Buffalo had been on an extended break due to COVID issues, so its slow start on the back-to-back games was to be expected. The Sabres though finally got off the schneid in their last game and broke a four-game losing streak by beating the Devils 3-2 last time out. The Sabres weak point this year has come in net where they've allowed three or more goals in eight of their last ten games.

The pick: New York won't be lacking for motivation here though after back-to-back losses. Offense has struggled at times for the Isles, but here's the perfect opponent to get back on track against. With both teams motivated for a victory today, I expect that to translate into offensive production on the ice.

This is a 10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK on the OVER Sabres/Islanders.