New York Rangers (47-22-13 last season) vs. Buffalo Sabres (42-33-7 last season)
New York Rangers vs. Buffalo Sabres 10/12/23: The upcoming NHL season kick-off pits two remarkable teams against each other: the New York Rangers and the Buffalo Sabres. Last season, the Rangers showcased an impressive record of 47-22-13, while the Sabres held their own with a 42-33-7 record. Set to take place at the KeyBank Center on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 7:00 PM ET, this game is bound to attract significant attention. Fans and those with hockey membership picks should mark this date as it promises thrilling action.
The Rangers, led by their offensive dynamo Artemi Panarin and prolific center Mika Zibanejad, present a daunting challenge for any opposition. Their combined goal tally and playmaking abilities have been instrumental in the Rangers’ success. But how will they fare against Buffalo’s defense, which has shown resilience in key moments?
Buffalo’s offense is no slouch either. With Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner spearheading their attack, they’ve managed to rack up significant points. Their potency will certainly test the defensive prowess of the Rangers, making for a balanced tug of war on the ice.
New York Rangers vs. Buffalo Sabres Game Info
| When: | Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | KeyBank Center |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin vs. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers’ star goaltender, has undeniably been one of the standout performers of the previous season. With 37 wins from 58 games, Shesterkin’s robust presence between the posts is accentuated by a respectable save percentage of 0.916. Throughout the season, he demonstrated his agility and impeccable timing, often being the difference-maker in close games. Facing a team like Buffalo, known for its offensive thrust, Shesterkin will have to be on top of his game, particularly keeping an eye on sharpshooters like Thompson and Skinner. His ability to read the play and make crucial saves will be pivotal in ensuring the Rangers maintain their defensive solidity.
On the Sabres’ side, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be under the spotlight. Although his statistics from the last season, including a save percentage of 0.892, might seem slightly overshadowed when compared to Shesterkin, Luukkonen has showcased moments of brilliance. His agility and shot-stopping capabilities, especially during high-pressure scenarios, have been crucial for the Sabres. As he faces the offensive juggernauts of the Rangers, such as Panarin and Zibanejad, Luukkonen’s performance will be instrumental in keeping Buffalo in the game. A lot hinges on his shoulders, and a top-notch display could significantly tilt the balance in Buffalo’s favor.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: New York Rangers -115, Total Odds: 6.5
Considering the betting odds, the New York Rangers are slightly favored. The puckline for the Rangers stands at -1.5 with potential returns at +190, which might seem tempting given their superior record from last season. However, games between these two teams have historically been closely contested, so betting enthusiasts should tread with caution.
New York Rangers Betting Trends
Recent trends indicate a propensity for games involving the Rangers to stay under the total, with 4 of their last 5 games going UNDER. While they are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games, they’ve historically held the upper hand against Buffalo, being 10-3 SU in their last 13 encounters. However, the Rangers have struggled on the road lately, with the total going UNDER in 7 of their last 7 games when playing in Buffalo.
Buffalo Sabres Betting Trends
The Sabres have been in good form recently, with a 5-1 SU in their last 6 games. Moreover, games against the Rangers tend to be low-scoring affairs, with the total going UNDER in 4 of their last 5 encounters. Buffalo has also been strong at home, boasting a 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at the KeyBank Center.
New York Rangers vs. Buffalo Sabres 10/12/23 Betting Picks
Given the recent form and historical trends, this game could be a low-scoring, closely contested match-up. While the Rangers may have the edge in terms of individual talent, the Sabres’ home advantage and recent form should not be overlooked.
In light of the provided statistics and trends, the safer pick would be to bet the UNDER on the total. Both teams have shown defensive resilience, and recent meetings have resulted in lower-scoring games. For those looking for premium expert picks, a small play on the Sabres at the Moneyline +105 could provide value, given their impressive recent home form.
Free Pick and Prediction: New York Rangers 3, Buffalo Sabres 2.