Rangers vs Sabres: Predictions and Odds for Wednesday Night Hockey

The New York Rangers and the Buffalo Sabres, both struggling in recent games, faced off on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the KeyBank Center in a crucial NHL matchup. The Rangers, with a record of 14-12-1, entered the game as favorites against the Sabres, who were on a seven-game losing streak and held a record of 11-13-4.

The Sabres had dominated the first matchup of the season, winning 6-1 at Madison Square Garden, but the Rangers were looking for revenge. The Rangers have historically performed well in Buffalo, winning five of their last seven visits to KeyBank Center.

The Rangers have been struggling, losing eight of their last ten games, which has put them in danger of falling out of the playoffs. They are currently fourth in the Metropolitan Division. Despite their recent form, the Rangers boast a potent offense led by Artemi Panarin, who has 34 points in 27 games, and solid contributions from young forwards like Alexis Lafrenière and K’Andre Miller.

The Sabres, on the other hand, are in disarray, having lost seven consecutive games and being outscored 26-11 in that span. They are missing key players, including captain Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson, which has significantly impacted their defense. The Sabres rank last in the power play and 26th in goals against per game, making their defensive situation precarious.

Betting odds favored the Rangers, with a moneyline set at -140, while the Sabres were listed as +120 underdogs. The over/under was set at 6 goals, reflecting the potential for a high-scoring game given the defensive struggles of both teams.

Experts predicted the Rangers to secure a much-needed victory, leveraging their stronger talent and experience. However, some analysts suggested that the Sabres could bounce back, particularly if their defense improves and they capitalize on the Rangers’ recent offensive woes.