It is time to turn the tide for the New York Rangers, and its time to do it now.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11 the New York Rangers (14-12-1) will take on the Buffalo Sabres (11-13-4). While this may seem like an easy win for the Rangers, let's not forget the Blueshirts are coming off a 2-1 loss against one of the worst teams in the league — the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Sabres are coming off a 6-5 loss against Original-Six team the Detroit Red Wings. Buffalo towards the very bottom of the Atlantic Division.
Records and recent matchups aside, Alex Tuch is obviously the opposing team's player to watch ahead of the Dec. 11 matchup. Let's analyze how he could potentially influence the Rangers on the ice.
Alex Tuch
Standing at 6'4" and weighing 215 pounds, the New York native is certainly both skilled and quick for his size.
Despite previously playing for Vegas and Minnesota, Tuch grew up in Syracuse and was a fan of the Sabres throughout his childhood.
Tuch trained with the USA Hockey National Team Development Programteam from 2012 to 2014, winning a bronze medal with Team USA in 2013 and gold at the2014 IIHF World U18 Championships.
Once traded by the Vegas Golden Knights to Buffalo in November of 2021, he soon became a fan favorite — with fans citing him as a natural choice to the take up the team captaincy.
On October 20, 2022, Tuch scored his first career hat trick in a 6–3 win over Calgary. He would score his second hat-trick of the season on April 1, 2023, capping it off with a shorty in another 6–3 win versus the Philadelphia Flyers.
Tuch currently leads the Sabres offensively. He has a team-high 24 points across eight goals and 16 assists in all 28 games played.
How to Tune In
Puck drop for the Sabres hosting the Rangers is slated for 7:00 p.m. EST, tonight — Wednesday, Dec. 11. The game will be streamed via YouTube and Sling TV. it will also be available on TV dependent on location via TNT. Be sure to tune into our Twitter for live updates.