New York Rangers vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction 2/22/25 NHL Picks

In this article, we will formulate a New York Rangers vs Buffalo Sabres prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, February 22nd at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

New York Rangers Betting Preview

The New York Rangers are 27-24-4 this year after they defeated Columbus by a score of 4-3 in their last game. New York trailed 3-2 after the second period, but they scored twice in the third to get the win. The Rangers outshot Columbus by a total of 40-25, won 60% of the face-offs, and went 0-0 on the power play in the game. New York got goals from Cuylle, Kaliyev, Zibanejad, and Vaakanainen, while Quick stopped 22 out of 25 shots in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Rangers lost to the Penguins by a score of 3-2 but did beat Boston by a score of 3-2 before that. New York has won three of their last four games and they are currently fifth in the Metro standings with 57 points. New York has scored 2.98 goals per game and they have allowed 3.06 goals per game, while also averaging 20.6% on the power play and 82.2% on the penalty kill this season. Artemi Panarin has led New York with 23 goals, 34 assists, and 161 shots on goal, while Adam Fox has added four goals, 40 assists, and 97 shots on goal. Igor Shesterkin is 18-19-2 with a 2.87 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage this year. 

Buffalo Sabres Betting Preview

The Buffalo Sabres are 22-27-5 this season after they lost to Nashville by a score of 6-4 in their last game. Buffalo was tied at two after 20 minutes, but they allowed four of the last six goals in the game for the loss. The Sabres outshot Nashville by a total of 29-23, won 44.1% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Buffalo got goals from Cozens, Tuch, Byram, and Dahlin, while UPL stopped 17 out of 22 shots in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Sabres defeated Columbus by a score of 3-2 and New Jersey by a score of 4-3. Buffalo has won four of their last five games and they are currently last in the Atlantic standings with 49 points. Buffalo has scored 3.13 goals per game and they have allowed 3.41 goals against per game, while also averaging 16.7% on the power play and 78.3% on the penalty kill this season. Tage Thompson has led Buffalo with 26 goals, 22 assists, and 148 shots on goal, while Alex Tuch has added 19 goals, 24 assists, and 124 shots on goal. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is 18-16-4 with a 3.02 goals against average and an .895 save percentage this year. 

Why the Sabres will beat the Rangers 

• The home team has won each of the Sabres’ last seven games.
• The Rangers have lost each of their last four road games against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The Rangers have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six games as favorites following a road win.
• The Sabres have covered the puck line in 10 of their last 11 games as home underdogs.
• The Rangers have lost the second period in four of their last five games against Atlantic Division opponents when trailing after the first period.

Why the Rangers will beat the Sabres

• The Rangers have won four of their last five games at KeyBank Center.
• The Sabres have lost nine of their last 10 Saturday games.
• The Sabres have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five Saturday night games.
• The road team has won the first period in five of the last six games between the Rangers and Sabres.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the last nine night games between the Rangers and Sabres at KeyBank Center has gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Eleven of the Rangers’ last 12 night games at KeyBank Center have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Sabres’ last 10 games as underdogs.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last six road games against Eastern Conference opponents.

Buffalo Sabres Player Prop Facts

• Ryan McLeod has scored at least one goal in each of the Sabres’ last three games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Tage Thompson has recorded at least one assist in each of his last five appearances in home games.
• Tage Thompson has recorded at least one point in 16 of his last 17 appearances against Eastern Conference opponents at KeyBank Center.
• JJ Peterka has recorded two blocks against the Rangers this season – equal most against any opponent.

New York Rangers Player Prop Facts

• Artemi Panarin has scored at least one goal in nine of the Rangers’ last 10 Saturday night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
• Artemi Panarin has recorded at least one point in each of the Rangers’ last 10 games as road favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
• Ryan Lindgren has recorded at least one assist in each of the Rangers’ last five games as road favorites.
• Chris Kreider has the most Shorthanded Goals for the Rangers this season (3).

Matchup/League Facts

• The Buffalo Sabres rank 1st in the league for Period 1 goals scored per game this season (1.15).
• The Buffalo Sabres rank 32nd in the league for Period 3 goals allowed per game this season (1.31).
• The New York Rangers rank 3rd in the league for Period 3 goals allowed per game this season (0.82).
• The New York Rangers rank 29th in the league for shots against per game this season (30.3).

New York Rangers vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction 

New York comes into this matchup looking to start the second half on a positive note, as they are trying to make a postseason push. The Rangers have had some issues scoring this season, but their goaltending has been much better in recent weeks. New York is 13-12-2 on the road, while Buffalo is 13-12-3 at home this year. The Sabres have found plenty of recent success, but they are still last in their division. Buffalo has scored at least four goals in four of their last five games, but I think we are going to see a lower-scoring game with the New York defense being the main factor. Take the under here. 

David Racey's Pick: Under 6.5