The Rangers haven’t lost back-to-back games since December, but just went on a rough 1-2-0 stretch against the three other playoff Metro teams. Luckily they are in Buffalo tonight to take on the lowly Sabres and their significant lack of depth. Don’t get me wrong, the Sabres have oodles of talent, but aren’t deep enough to contend yet.
As for the Rangers, they are without Rick Nash, Henrik Lundqvist, Marc Staal, and Dylan McIlrath tonight. Brady Skjei was recalled, joining Magnus Hellberg as the emergency recalls. Skjei should get some significant minutes tonight, or he might make a mistake and get benched for accountability reasons. Who knows.
Sabres Systems
Dan Bylsma is in his first year as Sabres coach and runs an aggressive 2-1-2 forecheck in the offensive zone. encouraging puck pursuit in most situations. In the defensive zone, he uses a zone defense, taking out lanes and protecting the slot. On special teams, it’s a 1-3-1 power play and a diamond force penalty kill.
Sabres Lines
Evander Kane-Jack Eichel-Sam Reinhart
Marcus Foligno-Johan Larsson-Brian Gionta
Zemgus Girgensons-Cal O’Reilly-Nicolas Deslauries
Daniel Catenacci-David Legwand-Matt Moulson
Josh Gorges-Rasmus Ristolainen
Jake McCabe-Zach Bogosian
Carlo Colaiacovo-Mark Pysyk
PP1: Larson-Eichel-Reinhart-O’Reilly-Ristolainen
PP2: Moulson-Gionta-Kane-Bogosian-Pysyk
PK: Legwand, O’Reilly, Gionta, Kane, Girgensons, Gorges, Ristolainen, McCabe, Bogosian
Robin Lehner gets the start.
Rangers Lines
Chris Kreider–Derek Stepan–Mats Zuccarello
JT Miller–Derick Brassard–Jesper Fast
Viktor Stalberg–Eric Staal–Kevin Hayes
Oscar Lindberg–Dominic Moore–Tanner Glass
Ryan McDonagh–Dan Girardi
Keith Yandle–Kevin Klein
Brady Skjei-Dan Boyle
PP1: Yandle-Klein-Miller-Hayes-Fast
PP2: Zucc-Boyle-Kreider-Stepan-Brassard
PK: Stepan, Moore, Lindberg, Fast, Glass, McDonagh, Staal, Klein, Girardi
Antti Raanta gets the start.
Scratches/Injuries: Rick Nash (leg), Marc Staal (back), Dylan McIlrath (knee), Henrik Lundqvist (neck)
Crazy Prediction: A game where we don’t want to pull our hair out.
Be sure to check out our ticket link if you’re looking for tickets to the game. Game time is 7pm on MSG. All gifs will be on nyrgifs.com.
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