The New York Rangers (27-24-4) travel to face off against the Buffalo Sabres (22-27-5) on Saturday, February 22nd. This game will be played at KeyBank Center in Buffalo and televised on ESPN+. The Rangers are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Sabres are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Red Wings. Puck drop is set for 5:30 ET.

Rangers vs Sabres

The New York Rangers Are Coming Off A Win

The Rangers improved to 27-24-4 with a 5-2 win over the Islanders. Entering the game as -1.5 goal favorites, the Rangers covered the puck line. The total was set at 6 goals, and the combined 7 goals surpassed that number.

Four different players found the net for the Rangers, with Artemi Panarin leading the way with two goals. Chris Kreider opened the scoring at 16:16 in the first period, and the Rangers never trailed in the game.

The Buffalo Sabres Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Buffalo dropped to 22-27-5 with a 2-1 loss to the Red Wings. The Sabres held a 1-0 lead after the first period, but Detroit responded with two goals in the second. Buffalo’s defense allowed both goals on the power play.

The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, but the teams combined for just 3. As underdogs on the puck line, Buffalo failed to cover. The Sabres’ lone goal came from Alex Tuch, who scored at 8:21 in the first period.

New York Offense Breakdown

Artemi Panarin led the way for the Rangers with two goals in their 5-2 win over the Islanders, including his 9th of the season on an empty net. Chris Kreider opened the scoring with his 8th goal, while Vincent Trocheck added his 4th. Adam Edstrom also found the net, marking his first goal of the season.

The Rangers fired 40 shots on goal and recorded 14 giveaways. Mika Zibanejad contributed with three assists, bringing his season total to 8. The Rangers scored once on the power play and added a shorthanded goal.

Sabres Offense Breakdown

Buffalo’s offense managed just one goal in their 2-1 loss to Detroit, with Alex Tuch netting his 5th of the season on a shorthanded effort. The Sabres fired 32 shots on goal but were unable to capitalize, recording 13 giveaways in the process.

Buffalo was held scoreless after Tuch’s goal, which came 8:21 into the first period. The Sabres were shut out on the power play and did not register any assists in the game.

New York Team Defense

Defensively, the Rangers will look to carry over their strong 3rd period from their previous game, where they shut out the Islanders and secured a 5-2 win. Igor Shesterkin made 35 saves with a 94.6% save percentage, and the Rangers’ defense added 10 takeaways and 19 hits.

Buffalo Team Defense

Buffalo’s defense had a strong first and third period, but they gave up two power-play goals in the second, leading to a 2-1 loss. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage. The Sabres’ defense also contributed 5 takeaways and 17 hits.

Rangers vs Sabres Trends

• Across the Rangers last five road games, the team averaged 3 goals per game while allowing 4. Their record vs the puck line in these contests was 2-3, while going 2-3 straight-up.
• The Sabres are 3-2 puck line in their last home games and 4-1 straight-up.
• Spanning across their last five games as the betting underdog, the Sabres have gone 3-2 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 2-3.
• Through their previous three contests as the betting favorite, the Rangers have a strong record of 2-1. Their record vs the puck line in these matchups is 0-3.

Rangers vs Sabres Prediction

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Sabres to take down the Rangers at home. With the moneyline currently at +101, I’m placing my bet on the Sabres straight-up.

Our projections have the Sabres pulling out a win as the underdog. But if you’re not as bullish as we are on the Sabres, we’d recommend at least getting a bet down on them to cover the puck line.

When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6.5 goals, we believe that this game will go over that threshold, and we recommend wagering on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.