Main storyline: The Rangers are in town for the first of two times this season. The Sabres are trying to put together a pair of victories, something they have struggled to do all season long.
Season series: Tonight marks the second of three meetings between the teams. New York took the first matchup by a decisive 6-1 score. The Rangers are in Buffalo tonight and will close out the season series when they visit approximately a month from now in March.
Where they stand: The Sabres are in last place in the league and six points behind 29th placed Edmonton. The Rangers are eighth in the league and five points behind the Islanders for first place in the Metropolitan Division.
Recent performance: The Sabres were finally able to get back in the win column on Thursday night against Philadelphia. Michael Neuvirth stopped 36 of 38 shots and Brian Flynn scored the game-winner in the shootout to top the Flyers, 3-2. The Rangers needed a shootout on Thursday at well, but they ended up on the wrong side and dropped a 5-4 decision to the Canucks.
Buffalo notes: Michal Neuvirth earned his first win in 10 appearances.
“It’s a big relief,” Neuvirth said. “Pretty happy I’m not going to hear any more questions about the losing streak. For me personally, it’s big.”
Wins have been hard to come by this season, and this one felt good.
“For the last number of games, I thought our effort has been there,” Buffalo coach Ted Nolan said. “All one-goal games, and to finally come out on the better side of it is a good feeling, for sure.”
Opponent notes: The Rangers are 7-2-1 in their past 10 games and are looking to close in on the Islanders. After losing the extra point to the Canucks last night, Cam Talbot said he needs to improve.
“Any time you score four goals you want to win the game,” Talbot said. “Obviously you never want to give up chances like that and goals like that. Four goals should be enough most nights and that’s on me. I have to come up with a way to make an extra save.”
Conclusion: After a 6-1 loss earlier this season, the Sabres are looking to get some revenge on the Rangers. Tonight’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and can be seen on MSG.