Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images

After Tuesday night’s debacle against Columbus, the Rangers are back on the road to Buffalo tonight to take on the very potent Sabres. Buffalo is built a lot like the Rangers, with solid talent up front and a weak blue line. Buffalo has a habit of making the Rangers look bad lately, so this isn’t a push over game.

For the Rangers, they need to get back to basics on defense. It’s disturbing how bad they’ve been, and how often they allow high-danger shots on Henrik Lundqvist. Hank has looked human too, which is something we aren’t used to seeing. Perhaps if the high-danger chances subside, Hank will get back to his normal form? It’s a tall order.

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-Sam Reinhart
Matt Moulson-Ryan O’Reilly-Kyle Okposo
Evander Kane-Zemgus Girgensons-Brian Gionta
Tyler Ennis-Cal O’Reilly-William Carrier

Dmitriy Kulikov-Rasmus Ristolainen
Zach Bogosian-Cody Franson
Justin Falk-Taylor Fedun

PP1: Reinhart-Eichel-Okposo-ROR-Ristolainen
PP2: Kane-Moulson-Gionta-Fedun-Franson

Robin Lehner gets the start.

Rangers Lines 

Chris Kreider-Mike Zibanejad-Mats Zuccarello
Jimmy Vesey–Derek Stepan–Rick Nash
Michael Grabner–JT Miller–Jesper Fast
Pavel Buchnevich-Oscar Lindberg-Matt Puempel

Ryan McDonagh–Dan Girardi
Marc Staal–Nick Holden
Brady Skjei–Kevin Klein

PP1: Zibanejad-Buchnevich-Nash-Miller-McDonagh
PP2: Stepan-Miller-Kreider-Zuccarello-Holden

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Injuries/Scratches: Kevin Hayes (lower body), Brandon Pirri (healthy), Adam Clendening (healthy)

Crazy Prediction: Defense? Maybe?

Game time is 7pm. Gifs are on @blueseatblogs. Be sure to follow our snapchat (blueseatblogs) too!

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