Standings: Sabres (35-29-10), Rangers (46-20-7)

NYR Leading Scorer: Marian Gaborik (35-31-66)
BUF Leading Scorer: Jason Pominville (28-39-67)

NYR Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (54 GS, 1.87 GAA, .934 SV%)
BUF Goaltender: Ryan Miller (53 GS, 2.54 GAA, .920 SV%)

Rangers Lines (probable):

Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Marian Gaborik
Brandon Dubinsky-Derek Stepan-Ryan Callahan
Mats Zuccarello-Brian Boyle-John Mitchell
Mike Rupp-Artem Anisimov-Brandon Prust

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Michael Del Zotto
Tim Erixon–Stu Bickel

Probable Scratches/Injuries:  Mike Sauer (concussion), Steve Eminger (undisclosed injury), Jeff Woywitka (healthy), John Scott (healthy), Ruslan Fedotenko (healthy), Anton Stralman (healthy)

Preview: For the first time since 2007-2008, the Rangers are going for the series sweep of the Sabres. Earlier in the year, the Sabres were a bit of a pushover. They weren’t forechecking, weren’t going for loose pucks, and would roll over once their opposition got going.

All that has changed, and the Sabres are now fighting for a playoff spot. Just one point back of the Caps for the final spot, the Sabres were thought to be dead in the water when they traded Paul Gaustad. But Jason Pominville has single-handedly willed this team to the 9th seed and a shot at the playoffs.

This team still isn’t all that physical up front, especially on their top six. But they have found a way to get it done. These Sabres aren’t a pushover anymore.

Crazy Thought: Hank gets another shutout.

Opposition Blog: Buffalo Wins…their logo has the ‘g’ crossed out. Clever.

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