New York Rangers top five rivals right now
By Lou Venditti
5. Buffalo Sabres
When the NHL scheduled the Winter Classic for the 2017-2018 season, they looked to one of the most uninspired and somewhat dubious rivalries in the entire NHL. The New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres lack any sort of real rivalry, yet it is one that the NHL seems to want to push.
The Rangers and Sabres will meet at the 2018 Winter Classic on January 1st at Citi Field. While Citi Field is in New York City, the Sabres will be the home team to save the Rangers (and owner James Dolan) some cash. The Winter Classic has traditionally featured rival teams, such as 2016’s Montreal against Boston. Yet, this is something out of basically nothing.
The Rangers and the Sabres don’t play in the same division. While they’re part of the same state, New York’s metropolitan area is saturated with potential rivals for the Rangers much closer than a cross state trek to Buffalo. The Sabres are secluded in the far reaches of Western New York, and closest to Canada. The NHL would have fared better by stoking the flames Buffalo and Toronto rivalry featuring Jack Eichel and Auston Matthews.
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Alas, the Rangers and Sabres will face off outside for the Winter Classic. Chris Drury, who captained both teams and is now part of the Rangers scouting staff, will undoubtedly be in attendance. It’s going to be miserable for everyone to watch the NHL try to force this rivalry.