Sports
Rangers Prepare for Season Opener Against Sabres in Buffalo

NEW YORK, NY – The New York Rangers will face off against the Buffalo Sabres for the first time this season on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at KeyBank Center. The game is set to start at 7:00 PM ET, with coverage on MSG Network and ESPN 880 AM.
Will Cuylle leads the Rangers into the match after opening the season with a game-high eight hits against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Last season, Cuylle ranked third among all NHL players with 301 hits and set the Rangers’ single-season hits record since 2005-06. The Rangers have performed well against the Sabres recently, securing at least one point in 13 of their last 19 meetings since January 2021.
Adam Fox also had a strong kickoff, recording a single-game career high of four takeaways. He logged 40 takeaways last season, placing him second among Rangers skaters. Will Borgen, who started his NHL career with the Sabres, is set to play in his 300th game during this matchup.
The Rangers will feature familiar connections in their lineup. Rangers assistant coach Joe Sacco previously coached for Buffalo, and Conor Sheary played two seasons with the Sabres. Buffalo’s head coach, Lindy Ruff, has a history with the Rangers as both a player and assistant coach.
On the road since the 2021-22 season, the Rangers rank second in the NHL in points and third in wins while maintaining a road record of 94-52-18. Following the appointment of J.T. Miller as captain this past September, he has shown promise with strong stats including a high faceoff percentage.
The team is also spotlighting efforts to support charitable causes; Adam Fox will donate to Tackle ALS for each goal and assist this season. Fans are encouraged to join in this effort to help those affected by ALS.
Both teams have undergone changes, with the Rangers bringing in new talent like defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov and forward Taylor Raddysh. Both players have shown statistical success in their previous seasons, adding depth to the Rangers roster.
As the Rangers prepare for an exciting season opener, the anticipation builds not only for the game but for the upcoming milestones, including the celebration of the team’s Centennial Year.