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Rangers’ mission: Get the Sabres back on a losing track

By Steve Paulus

Mar 22, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) hits Buffalo Sabres left wing Jeff Skinner (53) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) hits Buffalo Sabres left wing Jeff Skinner (53) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Rangers celebrate after a 5-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres Credit: Bruce Bennett/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Rangers celebrate after a 5-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres Credit: Bruce Bennett/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports /

3 keys to winning

  1. Don’t take the Sabres lightly – This was a key to the game last week and the team almost made that mistake and allowed them climb back into a 3-3 tie in the third period.  Luckily, the power play came through and the Rangers won,but it was a nail biter that didn’t need to be.
  2. Stay out of the box – Without Jack Eichel and Eric Staal, the Sabres’ power play has suffered, but it is still effective, so no needless penalties.
  3. Score first – The Sabres may have won a game, but they are still fragile and getting an early lead is important to burying any newfound confidence.  So, score first and pile on.

East Division

When it comes to the playoffs, the Rangers have a mountain to climb.  While they are only five points behind the Bruins, Boston has three games in hand and six games left with the Sabres.  Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has opened up a 12 points lead on the Rangers, same as the Islanders and two less than the Caps.

The Rangers’ best hope is that the Bruins go into a tailspin.  With only 21 games left for New York, catching any of the top three teams is practically impossible. Let’s put it this way.  If the Rangers win 16 of their last 21 games (76%) they will finish with 68 points .  The Pens and Isles need 21 out of 40 remaining points (52.5%) to surpass that.  Meanwhile, the Bruins would have to get 27 of their last 48 points (56%).  Except for all of those games against Buffalo for Boston, the odds are better to catch them than anyone else.

Tonight’s games

Rangers @ Sabres
Penguins @ Bruins
Capitals @ Islanders

Standings

1-  Washington    35   23-8-4      50 points
2- Islanders          36   22-10-4    48 points
3- Pittsburgh       36   23-11-2    48 points
4- Boston              32    18-9-5      41 points
5- Philadelphia    35   17-14-4     38 points
6- Rangers            35   16-15-4    36 points
7- New Jersey       34  13-16-5    31 points
8- Buffalo               35    7-23-5     19 points

About the game and join the live conversation

The game starts at 7pm EST and it will be It will be televised on the MSG Network with the radio call on  ESPN 98.7 FM.

Be sure and join the live conversation here on Blue Line Station. The live thread can be found in the conversations section (below).  The thread is active now, but will heat up when the game starts.  You an imagine the conversation during the big comeback win against the Capitals.  Join in!

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