AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

The Rangers are back home tonight against the lowly Sabres in their second attempt to clinch a playoff spot. Again, they will need to win in regulation or overtime to clinch their playoff spot. Considering the Sabres are pretty bad in net and on the blue line, the Rangers should match up well against them and get that win. The Sabres are also without Evander Kane, so that’s another plus.

Regardless of the outcome, what we want to see from the Blueshirts is an actual effort. Thursday’s game in Carolina was the exact opposite, as the listless Rangers failed to beat a bad team. No matter where you fall on the playoff opponent spectrum, we can all agree that the Rangers need to actually show up to instill some hope in the fan base. We all want good process, but baby steps. Let’s hope they show up tonight.

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

Zemgus Girgensons-Ryan O’Reilly-Hudson Fasching
Nicolas Deslauries-Jack Eichel-Sam Reinhart
Marcus Foligno-Johan Larsson-Brian Gionta
Cal O’Reilly-David Legwand-Matt Moulson

Josh Gorges-Rasmus Ristolainen
Jake McCabe-Zach Bogosian
Mark Pysyk-Casey Nelson

PP1: Larson-Eichel-Reinhart-O’Reilly-Ristolainen
PP2: Moulson-Gionta-Foligno-Bogosian-Pysyk

PK: Legwand, O’Reilly, Gionta, Girgensons, Gorges, Ristolainen, McCabe, Bogosian

Chad Johnson gets the start.

Rangers Lines

Chris KreiderDerick BrassardRick Nash
JT MillerDerek StepanMats Zuccarello
Kevin HayesEric StaalJesper Fast
Tanner GlassDominic MooreViktor Stalberg

Ryan McDonaghDan Girardi
Keith YandleKevin Klein
Marc StaalDan Boyle

PP1: Yandle-Klein-Miller-Hayes-Fast
PP2: Zucc-Boyle-Kreider-Stepan-Brassard

PK: Stepan, Moore, Nash, Fast, Glass, McDonagh, Staal, Klein, Girardi

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Scratches/Injuries: Oscar Lindberg (healthy), Dylan McIlrath (healthy)

Crazy Prediction: A dominating performance against a bottom feeder.

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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