Buffalo Sabres vs. Rangers Prediction and Odds – Game 74

The Buffalo Sabres are playing the New York Rangers and are looking to at least remain relevant in the wild card race in Devon Levi’s debut.

All eyes will be on Devon Levi tonight as he starts his first of what is hopefully going to be many NHL games. But the Buffalo Sabres are also still fighting for that second playoff spot with nine games to go.

And while their chances have grown slimmer than slim, anything can happen. So if nothing else, expect a hard fought game tonight.

Although the New York Rangers are one of the NHL’s best teams, the level of urgency could be at an all-season high with Levi starting between the pipes. And that could lead to a Sabres win that would place them just five points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team who has a matinee with the Boston Bruins tomorrow.

So can the Sabres take advantage of the situation and win today? Here are the odds and a prediction.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Rangers Odds – Game 74

Per Fan Duel, the Buffalo Sabres are +1.5 underdogs at home against the Rangers. The Over/Under is 6.5, and the Sabres moneyline is +120. The Rangers moneyline is -144.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Rangers Prediction – Game 74

The best news for this contest is that the Sabres will exercise a greater sense of urgency with the rookie goaltender in the net. Therefore, look for a defensive performance closer to what we’ve seen recently as opposed to what the Sabres showed us throughout most of March.

This will give Levi the best chance of enjoying a solid, even if it’s an unspectacular, debut. Overall, expect a close, hard fought contest that could boil down to who scores the final goal in regulation.

But for the sake of debuts, I’ll have fun and project the Sabres take it, 5-4. But don’t worry, Levi will face quite a few shots on goal.

(Game odds update periodically and are subject to change)