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Game Preview: New York Rangers look to halt skid in Buffalo

By Jason Katinas

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Nathan Bastian #42 of the New Jersey Devils sends a shot wide of Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the New York Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden on September 18, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Nathan Bastian #42 of the New Jersey Devils sends a shot wide of Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the New York Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden on September 18, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 07: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Buffalo Sabres attempts to catch up to Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden on February 07, 2020 in New York City. The Sabres defeated the Rangers 3-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Who are the Buffalo Sabres?

the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres split their two games last season. On October 24, 2019 the Rangers beat the Sabres 6-2 at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers had five different goal scorers, all at even strength with Ryan Strome notching a pair. Henrik Lundqvist made 31 saves in the win. On February 7, 2020, also at Madison Square Garden, the Sabres returned the favor skating away with a 3-2 victory. The Sabres would go up 3-0 midway through the third before the Rangers scored two in the final three minutes to make the score respectable.

More from Analysis

The Sabres are coming off a 4-3 shootout victory over the Washington Capitals in a game that saw five of six goals scored on the power play. Jack Eichel was the only player to convert in the shootout and Eric Staal notched his second of the season early in third to take the lead. While the Sabres are 2-3-1 on the season, its hard to judge the team as they have faced the Capitals four times and the Philadelphia Flyers twice.

The Sabres made several moves in the off-season to improve their offense. Their top six, which is really more of a top five, has been very effective.  Between Jack Eichel (seven assists), Taylor Hall (one goal, five assists), Eric Staal (two goals, one assist), Sam Reinhart (two goals, two assists) and Victor Olofsson (three goals, two assist) they have combined for eight goals and 25 points.

Their depth players however have been far less productive with names like Jeff Skinner and Casey Mittelstadt producing just one point, though they may get a boost as Kyle Okposo returned from injury last game.

The Sabres have been a positive possession team (53.8% Corsi For) aided by being a very strong faceoff team. Eichel, Staal and Cody Eakin have a combined 52.92% winning percentage at the dot. With a combined .890% save percentage the Sabres appear to be suffering from weak goaltending, but in reality have not surrendered more than three goals in the last five games. The Sabres also boast a lethal power play that is operating at 27.27%, good to be in the top 10 of the NHL, with six goals on the season (tied for sixth overall).

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