OPPONENT: Buffalo Sabres

2010-2011 RECORD: 38-29-9

2010-2011 LEADING SCORER: Thomas Vanek (27-38-65)

GOALIE: Ryan Miller (2.60 GAA, .920 SV%)

RANGERS LINES:

Brandon Dubinsky-Artem Anisimov-Ryan Callahan
Vinny Prospal-Derek Stepan-Marian Gaborik
Ruslan Fedotenko-Brian Boyle-Brandon Prust
Wojtek Wolski-Erik Christensen-Sean Avery

Marc Staal-Dan Girardi
Ryan McDonagh-Mike Sauer
Bryan McCabe-Steve Eminger

Henrik Lundqvist
Chad Johnson

Scratched tonight: Derek Boogaard (concussion symptoms), Alex Frolov (knee), Chris Drury (knee), Martin Biron (collarbone), Matt Gilroy (healthy), and Mats Zuccarello (healthy).

STATE OF THE BLUESHIRTS: After the Rangers 6-0-1 run in their past seven games, they have solidified their playoff standing, and would need to have an epic collapse to miss the playoffs. Right now, they are jockeying for positioning, with a likely matchup against Boston coming if the Rangers finish 6th, or Washington if they finish in 7th place. Buffalo is nipping at the Rangers heels, just two points behind the Blueshirts. A win tonight gives the Rangers breathing room there. A Carolina loss and a Rangers win would put the Rangers magic number at three (any combination of three points won by the Rangers or lost by Carolina means the Rangers would clinch). But, Carolina is playing Montreal, who the Rangers are chasing for sixth place. As long as it’s not a three point game, the Rangers will be fine.

CRAZY THOUGHT: McDonagh gets his first NHL goal.

OPPONENT’S BLOG: Die By The Blade

PREDICTION: Rangers 3, Sabres 2

The game is at 7pm on MSG2 (listings), and on 970AM on your radio.

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