While the playoffs seem to be out of the question for the Buffalo Sabres, they have an opportunity to finish the 2022-23 season on a high note.
The Buffalo Sabres need nothing short of a miracle to play in the postseason this year. But they can also end 2022-23 as a hot group, setting the stage for an even more successful 2023-24.
This is the best the Blue and Gold have looked in years, and to play meaningful games this late in the year is a huge step in the right direction for a team that has struggled, struggled, and struggled some more over the past 12 seasons. It’s also important to remember that the Sabres were supposed to use the 2022-23 campaign to develop, and it’s safe to say they more than accomplished that.
So can they win the season series against one of the NHL’s best teams in the New York Rangers? These two teams have played one another twice, and each time they were games to remember.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Rangers Odds – Game 79
Per Fan Duel, the Buffalo Sabres are +1.5 underdogs on the road against the Rangers. The Over/Under is 6.5, and the Sabres moneyline is +158. The Rangers moneyline is -192.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Rangers Prediction – Game 79
Just two days ago, the Sabres pulled off a massive upset over the Carolina Hurricanes to stay alive in the playoff race in what may have been the game of the season. The Rangers are yet another powerhouse that Buffalo can’t afford to make mistakes against, and if the Blue and Gold can’t take it, their season is over.
This game is one that could fare much like their victory vs. the ‘Canes: Buffalo will find themselves in a major slugfest here to hopefully keep the dreaded ‘e’ away from their name. Look for a close outing that will come down to the final goal as the Sabres try to take yet another one on the road.
I’m going to be confident and say that Buffalo will play the way they did against Carolina, which will land them the narrow win. And if they can get some help from the Washington Capitals or the Toronto Maple Leafs, preferably both, it will be a win-win.
(Game odds update regularly and are subject to change)