3/30/10 Rangers vs. Sabres

Buckle up, y'all.

Rangers against the Buffalo Sabres.

First off, I apologize for the lack of content these past three days. This has been the longest time I haven't posted anything, mainly because there was literally NOTHING going on in the Rangers universe this week. But now were back, and I like it. Tonight is a very big night for the Rangers, as they face the 8th place Sabres, who are just two points behind the Rangers in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers have performed well against the Sabres so far this season, taking two out of the three games already played. The Rangers have been on fire as of late, and hopefully carry that intensity over into tonights game, because they are going to need it. None of the teams below the Rangers are giving up easily on the season. Carolina won last night in a shootout against Washington, to keep them hanging around the standings. The Rangers need to keep their foot on the gas until they have mathematically clinched a spot.

The Sabres have also been doing very well heading down the home stretch, going 6-3-1 in their last ten games. A win for them tonight will pull them even with the Rangers, and give them the 7th seed, for they will have more regulation wins than the Rangers. The Sabres will be without key members of their lineup in Derek Roy and Jordan Leopold, who won't be returning until next season. However, despite those significant injuries, the Sabres have managed to perform exceptionally well, and should not be taken lightly tonight by the Rangers.

My Diagnosis


The Rangers need to carry that physical edge that shined in the Boston game last Saturday. Blocking shots, and hitting are are going to be the key to beating the Sabres tonight. That has been the key to this 8-1-1 run the Rangers are currently on, and it will continue to propel them if they stick to the game plan. Along with that, the Rangers have been well rested. More importantly, Henrik Lundqvist has been well rested these past three days, after a much needed break after starting 20 consecutive games. If the Rangers can stick to their game plan, they can walk away with a victory tonight.

My Predictions


Since the past two games between these teams have ended in a score of 3-2, I'm feeling that might happen once again.

Rangers win 3-2.

Ryan Callahan will get the initial goal for the Rangers half way through the 1st.
Thomas Vanek will get the first goal for the Sabres also in the 1st,
Derek Stepan will get the second goal for the Rangers early in the 2nd to jump ahead.
Marian Gaborik will follow up promptly with a goal of his own to make it 3-1.
And finally, Tim Connolly will get the final goal for the Sabres late in the 3rd.

Enjoy the game!