Standings: Sabres (21-24-5), Rangers (31-12-5)

NYR Leading Scorer: Marian Gaborik (25-16-41)
NJD Leading Scorer: Jason Pominville (17-30-47)

NYR Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (36 GS, 1.87 GAA, .940 SV%)
NJD Goaltender: Ryan Miller (31 GS, 2.99 GAA, .900 SV%)

Rangers Lines (probable):

Carl Hagelin-Derek Stepan-Marian Gaborik
Brandon Dubinsky-Brian Boyle-Ryan Callahan
Ruslan Fedotenko-Brad Richards-Brandon Prust
Mike Rupp-Artem Anisimov-John Mitchell

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Michael Del Zotto
Stu Bickel-Anton Stralman

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Scratches/Injuries: Mike Sauer (concussion), Jeff Woywitka (foot), Wojtek Wolski (healthy), Erik Christensen (healthy), Steve Eminger (shoulder)

Preview: The last time the Rangers met the Sabres was in December, with the Rangers coming out on top 4-1. That is to be expected, as the Rangers have made it a habit of beating teams they are supposed to beat this year, and the Sabres are no different. This will be the second meeting between these two teams, and the Rangers should be expected to win a few more with the Sabres struggling so mightily.

The Sabres made a big splash in the offseason with trades and free agent signings, but nothing has worked out as planned. Couple that with an off year for Ryan Miller, and the Sabres are in the toilet this season. It’s gotten so bad that the Sabres are already rumored to be selling off some pieces this deadline.

Buffalo used to be a team that gave the Rangers trouble with their speed and constant forecheck, however that wasn’t the case in December. This could be a dangerous game for the Rangers, but they’ve been able to handle these forechecking teams –aside from Montreal– all year. Expect this to be a faster paced game.

Crazy Thought: Ville Leino earns his contract over the next six years.

Opponent’s Blog: Buffalo Sabres Nation

Game time is 7:30pm on NBC Sports, AM1050, and XM92.

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