OPPONENT: Buffalo Sabres

2010-2011 RECORD: 5-9-2

2010-2011 LEADING SCORER: Derek Roy (8-9-17)

GOALIE: Ryan Miller (2.71 GAA, .900 SV%)

RANGERS LINEUP:

Alex Frolov-Erik Christensen-Marian Gaborik
Brandon Dubinsky-Artem Anisimov-Ryan Callahan
Sean Avery-Brian Boyle-Brandon Prust
Todd White-Derek Stepan-Ruslan Fedotenko

Marc Staal-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Steve Eminger
Mike Sauer-Matt Gilroy

Henrik Lundqvist
Martin Biron

Scratched tonight: Chris Drury (finger), Vinny Prospal (knee), and Derek Boogaard (healthy).

STATE OF THE BLUESHIRTS: Marian Gaborik is back in the lineup, and not a moment too soon. The Rangers are on a two-game skid, but in only one of those games can it be said that they played poorly. Getting their best player back in the lineup is going to give a boost to the players, and hopefully Alex Frolov, who will likely play with Gaborik tonight. Gaborik’s presence in the lineup will also draw top defensive pairings at even strength and on the powerplay, so that may free up space for the Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan line to get back on track after two games off the scoreboard. The last time the Rangers faced Buffalo, Derek Stepan scored a hat trick. The rookie has cooled considerably since then, so it’s unlikely he will repeat that performance.

CRAZY THOUGHT: Gaborik scores in his return to the lineup.

OPPONENT BLOG: Die By The Blade

FINAL PREDICTION: Rangers 3, Sabres 2

The game is at 7pm tonight on MSG. The game will also be on 1050AM on your radio. Discussion here is always recommended too!

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