NHL Betting Preview: Sabres vs Rangers
The Buffalo Sabres square off against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, with face-off scheduled for 16:00 on Wednesday, April 8.
Don’t Expect Fireworks
There is -128 available for Under 6.5 goals, with the Sabres and the Rangers expected to go under the line with their combined score.
5-2 Victory for Sabres in Pair’s Previous H2H
Buffalo Sabres have lost their previous three road games. Their latest appearance was a 4-2 home triumph at KeyBank Center against Tampa Bay Lightning. Alex Tuch found the net along with three other players.
New York Rangers have enjoyed back-to-back wins, most recently beating Washington Capitals 8-1. It was a home success at Madison Square Garden. Adam Fox recorded 3 points which includes 1 goal and 2 assists. Goalie Igor Shesterkin had a great game and ended up with 20 saves (.952).
Head-to-Head Statistics
The last head-to-head saw the Sabres claim a 5-2 win over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. We’ve seen six Sabres wins in the past 10 meetings between the teams.
Starting Goalies
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Expected)
Season
W-L-OTL:
GAA:
SV%:
SO:
24/25
20-9-3
2.6
.909
1
23/24
27-22-4
2.57
.910
5
Igor Shesterkin (Expected)
Season
W-L-OTL:
GAA:
SV%:
SO:
24/25
25-17-6
2.5
.912
1
23/24
36-17-2
2.58
.912
4
Buffalo Sabres – Last 10 Games
5 wins, 3 losses and 2 overtime losses, averaging 3.2 goals from 29.3 shots on goal, with a 15.0% powerplay efficiency. The Sabres have given up 3.3 goals from 27.3 shots, averaging 4.3 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 81.4%.
Rasmus Dahlin is the top points scorer with 10 points, 5 goals and 5 assists, with Tage Thompson recording 8 points, 4 goals and 4 assists, in the last 10 games. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have a 2.31 goal against average with a .916 save percentage.
New York Rangers – Last 10 Games
The Rangers have 5 wins, 4 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 3.6 goals from 26.7 shots on goal, with a 22.0% powerplay efficiency. They have been conceding 2.2 goals from 28.2 shots, averaging 4.4 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 90.9%.
The top points scorer is Adam Fox with 15 points, 3 goals and 12 assists, while Mika Zibanejad is next best after having 11 points, 5 goals and 6 assists. Goalie Igor Shesterkin have a 2.46 GAA with a .907 SV%.
Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers Prediction & Picks
Step into Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers with confidence as we bring you our expert match prediction, projected scoreline, best player prop picks and a custom-built bet builder.
Game Prediction
There’s every chance that we will see a low combined goals total for this NHL encounter. We’ll therefore shoot for Unders and this is available at an eye-catching -128.
Knowing which players are injured gives us a valuable edge when putting together hockey forecasts. After reviewing the form guide, we turn to the latest stats to shape our NHL predictions.
Key Sabres vs Rangers stats:
The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 7 of the last 10 Sabres games on the road.The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 12 of the last 20 Sabres games.The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 4 of the last 5 Rangers games.The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 7 of the last 10 Rangers games at home.Under 6.5 Probability
If you go by the top NHL betting sites, our pick has a 56.2% chance of delivering a return. In our opinion, there’s actually a probability of success between 60-65%. The bet can be recommended for this precise reason.
Looking for Bigger Odds?
If you’re keen to go Under but want to secure bigger odds with your wager, why not consider combining two outcomes through Match Winner & Total Goals.
Find generous betting offers before placing your next wager. The latest free bets, promos, and welcome bonuses included.
Our Game Prediction
Under 6.5 Goals @ -128
Watch Live
Bet Now
Thrill Promo
70% Rakeback + 10% Cashback
Get Bonus
T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+
Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Apr 7, 20:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 20:56, 07 April 2026
Player Prop Picks
Mika Zibanejad (Rangers) has made at least one assist in 3 straight games. On the basis of this stat, we can shoot for him to once again cover the Player Assists line and this looks big at +110.
Latest Mika Zibanejad Player Prop Odds
Goals
Assists
Shots on Goal
Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers Odds
The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.
Tight Affair in the Eyes of the Books
Buffalo Sabres are -152 favorites and that means a 60% chance of winning this game according to the Moneyline betting odds with the sportsbooks. For those wanting to oppose the market leader, you can get +126 about New York Rangers.
The puck line is 1.5 and the total goals line is currently 6.5. A wager on Totals allows bettors to use the latest data to good effect. If you’re keen on Over 6.5, this selection is available at +104.
The best betting apps provide an extensive range of team props and game lines for every National Hockey League matchup. Take the time to explore all your options before placing your bet to ensure you find the best value.
Tage Thompson Favorite to Light the Lamp First
Tage Thompson is favorite to be First Goalscorer at +1000. If you want to back him to score the last goal, you can get similar odds.
Player Goals
Tage Thompson (Sabres)
Mika Zibanejad (Rangers)
Alex Tuch (Sabres)
Jason Zucker (Sabres)
Player Assists
Adam Fox (Rangers)
Rasmus Dahlin (Sabres)
Mika Zibanejad (Rangers)
Tage Thompson (Sabres)
Player Shots
Tage Thompson (Sabres)
Mika Zibanejad (Rangers)
Alex Tuch (Sabres)
Alexis Lafrenière (Rangers)
Micro Betting
Micro betting is something that’s really popular with bettors, with NHL fans essentially being able to bet in-game when it comes to team and player props. Sometimes these are lines where you can wager on Shots or Goals.
Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Team Stats
Latest regular season and playoff games stats.
Buffalo Sabres Stats
New York Rangers Stats
5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 home games
-1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 3 of the last 10 games
-1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 5 of the last 10 games on the road
+1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 9 of the last 10 games
+1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 home games
Game Totals: An average of 6.60 goals in the previous 10 games
Game Totals on the Road: An average of 5.80 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
Over 6.5: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games
Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 3 of the previous 10 games on the road
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.30 goals and allowed 3.30 goals in the last 10 games
Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 3.50 pts and allowed 2.30 goals in the last 10 games on the road
Game Totals: An average of 5.90 goals in the previous 10 games
Game Totals at Home: An average of 5.70 goals in the previous 10 home games
Over 6.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 3 of the previous 10 home games
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.60 goals and allowed 2.30 goals in the last 10 games
Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.40 goals and allowed 2.30 goals in the last 10 home games
Last 10 Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.6
Shots: 29.3
Goals Shorthanded: 0
Penalties: 4.3
Empty Net Goals: 0.3
Penalty Minutes: 11.3
Blocks: 13.5
Faceoff Wins : 27.6
Hits: 20.4
Giveaways: 13.8
Takeaways: 4.1
Last 10 Games on the Road
Goals Powerplay: 0.4
Shots: 29.4
Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
Penalties: 3.9
Empty Net Goals: 0.4
Penalty Minutes: 10
Blocks: 12.2
Faceoff Wins : 28.1
Hits: 17.2
Giveaways: 13.3
Takeaways: 4.2
Last 10 Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.9
Shots: 26.7
Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
Penalties: 4.4
Empty Net Goals: 0.2
Penalty Minutes: 11.3
Blocks: 12
Faceoff Wins : 30.8
Hits: 26.7
Giveaways: 16.3
Takeaways: 4.7
Last 10 Home Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.7
Shots: 23.9
Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
Penalties: 4.3
Empty Net Goals: 0.2
Penalty Minutes: 11.1
Blocks: 11.9
Faceoff Wins : 30.9
Hits: 26.6
Giveaways: 17.3
Takeaways: 4.8
Starting Lineups
Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of face-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.
Expert Analysis by Paul Boucher
Senior NHL Analyst
About the Analyst
Paul Boucher is a Senior NHL Analyst and Head of the Ice Hockey Editorial Betting Panel with over 15 years of experience as a sports journalist and betting analyst. Based in Montreal, he provides first-hand insight through regular attendance at the Bell Centre, utilising advanced metrics to identify market value across key game lines, player props and same game parlays.
NHL Predictions Methodology
Our NHL analysis combines the latest team news, injury reports and line changes with recent form and market movement. We factor in situational analysis like home ice advantage and schedule spots. Metrics such as Corsi, Fenwick, Expected Goals (xG) and PDO are used to evaluate puck possession, shot quality, goaltending performance and special teams efficiency beyond the traditional box score.
Full Methodology & Data Sources
Where to Bet
The betting site referenced has been independently reviewed under our published review methodology, which evaluates betting lines, odds and market depth, licensing and security, payment processes, withdrawal reliability, responsible gambling tools and additional platform criteria relevant to user experience and regulatory standards.
 Read our Thrill Analyst Review
Transparency & Safety
This preview was last updated on Apr 7, 20:56 to reflect the latest team news, injury reports, confirmed lines and pairings, starting goaltenders, lineup changes, schedule context, key performance metrics and odds movement.
All analysis is produced by professional analysts and reviewed by our Ice Hockey Editorial Betting Panel for accuracy and consistency.
Historical performance for our game predictions is tracked and updated regularly for transparency.
Important: Betting should be treated as entertainment and involves risk. Past results are not indicative of future performance. Only wager what you can afford to lose.
18+ (or legal age). If gambling is causing harm or distress, support is available. Visit our Gamble Responsibly hub for safer gambling tools, self-exclusion options and local helplines.
Editorial Policy | Disclaimer