AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes
After two wins against the worst teams in the Western Conference, the Rangers are back home tonight to take on the worst team in the Eastern Conference. What sets the Buffalo Sabres apart from the Colorado Avalanche and the Arizona Coyotes is that they’ve actually crossed over the 30 point barrier. While not statistically eliminated from the playoffs, they are going to be a lottery team this year, the third opponent in a row the Rangers will face.
Making matters worse for the Sabres is the injury to Ryan O’Reilly, one of their many skilled forwards. This is still a team that has the potential to score a ton, as their forwards have the skill and speed that can give the Rangers slow defense fits. Even so, this is another team that the Rangers should not only be beating, but dominating on the scoreboard and in overall process. But like the games out West, nothing in proper process is a given.
Sabres Systems
Dan Bylsma is in his second 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
Marcus Foligno-Jack Eichel-Kyle Okposo
Evander Kane-Sam Reinhart-Justin Bailey
Nicolas Deslauriers-Derek Grant-Matt Moulson
William Carrier-Zemgus Girgensons-Brian Gionta
Josh Gorges-Rasmus Ristolainen
Jake McCabe-Zach Bogosian
Justin Falk-Cody Franson
PP1: Reinhart-Eichel-Okposo-Moulson-Ristolainen
PP2: Kane-Foligno-Gionta-McCabe-Franson
Anders Nilsson gets the start.
Rangers Lines
Chris Kreider–Derek Stepan–Mats Zuccarello
Jimmy Vesey–Kevin Hayes–Michael Grabner
J.T. Miller–Marek Hrivik–Brandon Pirri
Nicklas Jensen–Oscar Lindberg–Jesper Fast
Ryan McDonagh–Kevin Klein
Marc Staal–Nick Holden
Brady Skjei–Dan Girardi
PP1: Kreider-Stepan-Pirri-Zucc-McDonagh
PP2: Miller-Vesey-Hayes-Skjei-Holden
Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.
Injuries/Scratches: Mika Zibanejad (broken leg), Pavel Buchnevich (back spasms), Rick Nash (groin), Matt Puempel (concussion), Adam Clendening (healthy)
Crazy Prediction: Jensen gets a goal.
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