The NHL regular season kicks off with an exciting game between the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres at the KeyBank Center. The game is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+. This matchup marks the Rangers’ second game of the season after starting with a 0-1 record.
Led by head coach Mike Sullivan, the New York Rangers compete in the Eastern Metropolitan Division. Despite their opening loss, they are favorites with a MoneyLine of -114 for this matchup. The team will look to improve their conference and division records, which currently stand at 0-1 each.
The Buffalo Sabres, coached by Lindy Ruff, hail from the Eastern Atlantic Division and are playing their season opener. Last season, the Sabres recorded a 36-39-7 record but failed to make the playoffs. They enter this game as underdogs with a MoneyLine of -105 and will aim to start their new campaign on a positive note.
Sabres vs Rangers At a Glance
- Game Venue: The game is set to take place at KeyBank Center.
- Game Time: The game is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
- TV Broadcast: Fans can catch the game on ESPN+.
- Rangers Record: New York Rangers start the season with a 0-1 record.
- Sabres Last Season Record: Buffalo Sabres finished last season with a 36-39-7 record.
- Betting Odds: New York Rangers are favored with a MoneyLine of -114, while the Sabres stand at -105.
Sabres Set to Start the Season Against Rangers: A Fresh Challenge
Key Skaters to Watch
Tage Thompson, the Sabres’ leading scorer last season, played 76 games, netting 44 goals and adding 28 assists for a total of 72 points. His role as a central offensive force will be crucial in establishing momentum against the Rangers.
Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin brings stability and offensive prowess to the blue line, having accumulated 68 points in 73 games last season. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively will be vital for the Sabres as they begin their campaign.
Alex Tuch, a consistent presence on the right wing, completed the previous season with 67 points from 36 goals and 31 assists. His scoring ability will be essential for the Sabres as they aim to make an impact in their opener.
Goaltending Situation
With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen sidelined due to a lower-body injury, Alex Lyon steps in as the starting goalie. This will be Lyon’s first opening-night start, providing him a chance to solidify his position within the team.
Colten Ellis, recently claimed off waivers, will back up Lyon. Although Ellis boasts impressive AHL stats, he is yet to make his NHL debut, making his addition a potential wildcard for the Sabres.
Injury Report
Owen Power and Michael Kesselring are both on the injured reserve list, affecting the Sabres’ defensive depth. Their absence could challenge the team’s ability to fend off the Rangers’ attack.
Additionally, forwards Zach Benson and Mattias Samuelsson are dealing with injuries, leaving their participation in the opener uncertain. The Sabres will need to compensate for these potential absences as they prepare for the game.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU Last 5: 2-3 (40.0%)
- SU Last 10: 6-4 (60.0%)
- SU All Games: 29-39 (42.6%)
- SU as Favorite: 10-10 (50.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 19-29 (39.6%)
As the Sabres prepare for their season opener, their recent performance in the preseason and last year’s statistics provide insights into potential outcomes. With key players injured and new additions stepping up, the team faces both challenges and opportunities as they seek to start the season on a high note against the New York Rangers.
The Rangers Look to Rebound in Upcoming Game Against the Sabres
Sabres’ Performance Overview
The Buffalo Sabres have had a challenging start to their season, marked by back-to-back losses to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite these setbacks, they managed a solid win against the Detroit Red Wings with a 5-2 victory, showcasing potential in their gameplay.
With no confirmed goalie for their upcoming game against the Rangers, the Sabres will need to stabilize their defensive efforts. Their recent games suggest a team that is looking to find consistency on the ice.
Key Players to Watch
Buffalo’s offensive lineup will look towards top performers to ignite their scoring. With recent games showing mixed results, the Sabres will need their forwards to step up.
As they aim to improve their standing, the contribution from both seasoned players and new talents will be crucial. The Sabres’ ability to convert scoring opportunities could determine their success against the Rangers.
Defensive Concerns
Defensively, the Sabres have shown vulnerabilities, particularly in their recent losses to the Penguins. With no confirmed starting goalie, questions remain about who will anchor their defense against the Rangers.
The team’s defense will need to tighten up to prevent high-scoring opportunities from a Rangers squad looking to rebound from their previous defeat. The focus will be on maintaining structure and discipline on the ice.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
Sabres vs Rangers Prediction: Rangers -114
The New York Rangers enter this game with a point to prove after their disappointing 3-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Their strong goaltending performance by Igor Shesterkin in the opening game, despite the loss, suggests that they have the ability to bounce back quickly. With Mike Sullivan emphasizing improvement, the Rangers have the potential to capitalize on the Sabres’ current uncertainties and injured roster.
Conversely, the Buffalo Sabres face challenges with a roster that includes injuries to key players like Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Goalie Alex Lyon is set to start, adding pressure in what is his first opening-night start. Given the Sabres’ struggles in preseason games and their ongoing roster adjustments, they may find it challenging to overcome the Rangers’ determined lineup.
In terms of betting odds, the Rangers are slightly favored at -114, which reflects their potential to recover from a rocky start and exploit the Sabres’ vulnerabilities. While Buffalo aims to break their playoff drought, the immediate task of managing injuries and integrating new players may hinder their ability to secure a win in their home opener.
Projecting a final score, the Rangers are likely to come out on top with a solid 4-2 victory. With Shesterkin in net and a focus on rectifying their opening game’s mistakes, the Rangers are positioned to take advantage of the Sabres’ current challenges.
- Sabres vs Rangers Prediction: Rangers -114
- Sabres vs Rangers Score: Rangers 4 – Sabres 2
