Game #49
Buffalo Sabres (19-25-4) at
New York Rangers (26-17-5)
Three Questions
1. What effect will Girgensons’ return have on the team?
The Sabres put forth a disastrous effort in their last game, and Dan Bylsma is hoping that pairing Girgensons up with Eichel will help their line recapture some of the offensive spark they generated last time the duo played together. Girgensons’ return also gives the Sabres three solid-ish lines of NHL players, pushing Varone, Schaller, and Cal O’Reilly to the fourth line.
2. Will Buffalo’s penalty kill stay perfect?
The Sabres PK has been lights-out over their last six games, with opposing power plays going a combined 0-for-19 in that stretch. Can the Sabres shut down a very mild Rangers power play, or did we just jinx it by calling the PK out? Or did we just reverse jinx it by calling out the jinx? Only time will tell.
3. Can the Sabres take advantage of a tired Rangers team?
The Rangers played last night, getting shut out 3-0 by Ottawa, and should be feeling some effects from the back-to-back as the game wears on. The third period has been the Sabres strongest this season, and tonight they should be able to take advantage of some favorable scheduling.
Projected BUF lines
Weber – Pysyk