Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the New York Rangers vs Buffalo Sabres. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-1 Sabres
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TNT; TruTV; Max
It’s a light night in the NHL, but this carries a lot of weight for these two New York teams. Both the Rangers and the Sabres are limping into this matchup coming into this nationally televised game. These two clubs had differing sets of expectations, but both teams are falling well short of them.
The Rangers and the Sabres are both coming off disappointing performances on Monday night. New York is coming off a lethargic 2-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Buffalo lost a 6-5 shootout to the Detroit Red Wings.
Both teams are desperate for victories and need a win in the worst way. Let’s take a look at this important matchup between the Rangers and Sabres in this round of NHL predictions.
The Rangers Story
Igor Shesterkin is expected to get the start, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. New York is 2-8 in the last 10 games and have dropped two in a row. The offence dried up in the last game and head coach Peter Laviolette was displeased with his club after Monday’s loss.
New York was routed the last time the two teams played on November 7 when Buffalo rolled to a 6-1 victory. The Blueshirts will have to be much better in order to finally avenge one of the team’s most-embarrassing losses of the season.
Adam Fox has 22 assists so far for the Rangers. Artemi Panarin has been consistent most of the season and has scored five goals with five assists over the last 10 games.
The Sabres Story
As bad as things are for the Rangers, they’re much worse for the Sabres. Buffalo did put up a ton of goals against Detroit. However, the team has still lost seven in a row.
The Sabres had come into this season with some promise, but it seems that the club is failing at all levels. Buffalo General Manager Kevyn Adams had a disastrous press conference last week complaining about taxes and palm trees.
Jason Zucker has been a bright spot with seven goals and 13 assists for the Sabres. Tage Thompson has continued his strong play during the season with six goals over the last 10 games.
Prediction
The days of ties are over, so there must be a winner. Buffalo did look better in the first meeting of the season, but New York is a better team on paper.
There also should be some motivation after Laviolette called out his club in the media.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out NHL predictions with some prop bets. On the Rangers side, go with Vincent Trocheck as an anytime goalscorer at +220 at FanDuel. For Buffalo, take Alex Tuch to score at any time at +240. This is also via FanDuel.
Main photo by: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Dec. 11 New York Rangers vs Buffalo Sabres appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.