The New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres are set to resume NHL action for the first time in about two weeks. That's significant time and it’ll be an adjustment for the guys who weren’t participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off to get back into rhythm.
My Rangers vs. Sabres predictions will focus on the goaltending and the poor team defense on both sides that have been consistent throughout the season.
My NHL picks explain further for this 5:30 p.m. puck drop on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025.
Rangers vs Sabres prediction
My best bet
Over 6.5 (+100 at FanDuel)
My analysis
The New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres have both been at the bottom of the league all season long when it comes to defensive metrics, and their goaltenders, respectfully, have not been at the top of their game.
For the Rangers, it’s uncertain if Igor Shesterkin or Jonathan Quick will get the nod. Based on reports, it sounds like Shesterkin is good to go, but due to the fact he was injured before the 4 Nations break, Peter Laviolette might give him the extra day of rest before they have to take on Pittsburgh tomorrow.
Whether it’s Quick or Shesterkin, it doesn’t necessarily matter because either will get tested. The Rangers surrender the league’s fourth-most high-danger chances per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 (12.17), and they’re getting back four significant members of their team who might be a little tired from the tournament, as J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck, Adam Fox, and Chris Kreider are all expected to play today.
For the Sabres, they didn’t have many representatives at the 4 Nations tournament and while they’ve had the same amount of rest as the Rangers, they will hit the ground running. Buffalo’s season has not been what it would have liked as it sits in the Eastern Conference's basement.
The Sabres have been a disaster in their defensive zone as well, but Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has done all he can to keep his team competitive. That said, Luukkonen is skating to a .895 save percentage and a 3.02 goals-against average, so the numbers haven’t been all that great. In his defense, he doesn’t get a ton of help.
Both teams allow north of three goals per game, Buffalo surrendering 3.41, which is the fifth-most in the NHL, while the Rangers give up the 12th-most at 3.05 per.
On the offensive side, both can score at will. In return game from an extended break, I’ll rely on the goal-scoring over the net-minders.
Rangers vs Sabres same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 6.5
Sabres moneyline
Tage Thompson 1+ points
These games are always a bit hard to read, but the Sabres did have a good thing going before the break, winning four of their last five. They’re getting a very motivated Tage Thompson, who wanted nothing more than to be a part of Team USA but was snubbed in the team’s selection. That said, this Rangers team has been very inconsistent and should not be trusted in the first game back from break.
Thompson had eight points in the five games leading into the tournament and he seems like a man on a mission this season. After a slow start, Thompson now has 48 points in 48 games and could potentially hit the 40-goal mark this season.
He got the call to be in Boston for the championship game but didn’t crack the lineup. If there’s someone with a chip on his shoulder to have a strong finish to the season, it’s Thompson.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Rangers vs Sabres odds
Rangers vs Sabres live odds
Rangers vs Sabres opening odds
- Puck line: New York -1.5 (+210) | Buffalo +1.5 (-260)
- Moneyline: New York -120 | Buffalo +100
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-125) | Under 5.5 (+105)
Rangers vs Sabres trend
The Over has hit in four of the Buffalo Sabres last five games.. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Sabres.
How to watch Rangers vs Sabres
| Location | KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY |
| Date | Saturday, 2-22-2025 |
| Puck drop | 5:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | MSG, MSG-B |
Rangers vs Sabres latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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