Taking on the top team in the Conference is never an easy task, but that’s what the Sabres are doing tonight as they take on the Rangers.
Buffalo have played New York three times this season, but have lost each time. Ryan Callahan has scored the game-winning goal in each of the three games, a streak that will look to be broken by Buffalo tonight.
Last night, the Los Angeles Kings took on St.Louis, the top team in the Western Conference. It was a hard fought battle, but the Kings came through and won 1-0, after a shootout. It was the kind of game that Buffalo is going to have to fight for tonight.
Even though the Rangers are 5-5 in their last 10, Pittsburgh is right behind them and New York is a dangerous team.
Tonight’s game could potentially be a playoff preview of the first round, but there’s still a couple of weeks to determine just who will make it.
After tonight’s action, the playoff picture in the east could look much different than it does now. The best case scenario for Buffalo would be a win, along with victories from Montreal and Winnipeg, in regulation. That would put the Sabres in 8th by a point, and just two behind Ottawa.
The worst case scenario would have Buffalo three points out behind Washington. Do remember, the Sabres are in Washington to face the Capitals on Tuesday.
“We knew everybody was counting us out, and we just wanted to go out and prove to ourselves that we knew we had a better team in here,” said Derek Roy. “It shows the character of the boys.” -NHL.com
Tonight’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m.