Sabres vs Rangers NHL Picks Free 03/31

Kingpin
Mar 31, 2023, 3:18:29 AM

Sabres vs Rangers NHL Game Preview and Prediction

The Buffalo Sabres will host the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center on Thursday, March 31, 2023, in what promises to be a thrilling NHL matchup. Both teams have already faced each other once this season, with the Rangers taking the win in overtime in the first game. In this article, we will review both teams' offense, defense, and injuries and give our prediction on why the Rangers will win.

New York Rangers

The New York Rangers are currently third in the Metropolitan Division standings, with 98 points, a record of 44-21-10, and a 22-9-6 away record. They have one of the most potent offenses in the league, averaging 3.36 goals per game. They are led by Artemi Panarin, who has 84 points, 25 goals, and 59 assists. Mika Zibanejad has 38 goals, and Chris Kreider has 30. The Rangers' defense is also impressive, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.68 and a save percentage (SV%) of .914. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin has 34 wins, 12 losses, and 7 overtime losses.

Injury Report: Defenseman Ryan Lindgren is out for the Rangers for Wednesday's game.

Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres are fifth in the Atlantic Division standings, with 77 points, a record of 35-31-7, and a 14-20-4 home record. The Sabres are one of the league's highest-scoring teams, averaging 3.56 goals per game. They are led by Tage Thompson, who has 89 points, 44 goals, and 45 assists. Rasmus Dahlin has 51 assists, and Jack Eichel has 47. However, their defense has been their Achilles heel, with a GAA of 3.67 and a SV% of .890. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has 16 wins, 11 losses, and 4 overtime losses.

Injury Report: Goalie Craig Anderson, right-winger Tage Thompson, left-winger Jordan Greenway, and defenseman Mattias Samuelsson are all listed as day-to-day and might miss the game.

Prediction

Based on the stats, it seems like the New York Rangers are the better team on paper, and they will be looking to avenge their overtime loss to the Sabres in the first game. With a potent offense and a solid defense led by Igor Shesterkin, we believe that the Rangers will win this game comfortably. Moreover, the Sabres' defense and goaltending have been shaky this season, and the absence of their key players might make it even harder for them to compete against a top team like the Rangers.

Pick: Rangers ML

KingPin.pro iOS and Android App

Are you looking for the latest NHL predictions, picks, and injury reports? Look no further than the KingPin.pro iOS and Android app. Get access to our expert predictions and picks for all NHL games, as well as up-to-date injury reports, team stats, and more. Download the app today and never miss a beat when it comes to your NHL betting.