Game #79: Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Rangers Open Thread

It is the final game at Madison Square Garden this season, and the New York Rangers will take on the Buffalo Sabres. The Rangers won both of their back-to-back games over the weekend, most recently against the Washington Capitals. The Sabres won their last game against the Tampa Bay Lightning and currently sit in second place in the Atlantic Division.

The Rangers will continue to use the same lines that they have been deploying over the last few games. In their current lineup, their skaters consist of five rookies and 10 players 25 years old or younger. Between the pipes for the Rangers will be Igor Shesterkin. For the Sabres, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will get the start in net. Buffalo is also without former Ranger Sam Carrick, who is out with an upper-body injury.

Where to Watch

Cable/Network TV: MSG 2, NHL website, NHL app, and the Gotham Sports app

National Broadcast: ESPN+

Radio: 880 AM

Player to Watch: Alexis Lafrenière

The beginning of the year was a rough one for Alexis Lafrenière, but we have seen a completely different player in the back half of the season. With four games remaining in the season, Lafrenière needs as many points to tie his career high, which he achieved during the 2023-24 season.

While his performance may be hurting the team's odds of winning the lottery, if that is the cost of the Rangers' former first overall pick finding his game, it is worth it.

Enjoy the game!