Rangers vs. Sabres prediction: NHL picks, odds, bets for Thursday

· New York Post

The Sabres entered the season desperate to snap the NHL’s longest playoff drought of 13 years.

They hold a record of 5-7-2 and are quickly becoming an afterthought again. 

Given the franchise’s reputation and the team’s current record, nobody is defending them. 

But a deeper dive into the Sabres’ play suggests they have been better than their record indicates.

They hold a 52.98% expected goal share and have displayed a solid process outside their two opening matchups in Prague versus the Devils. 

The Sabres have allowed only 3.01 expected goals against per 60 minutes this season, and their blue line has the potential to be a strength moving forward.

Captain Rasmus Dahlin is trending into top form after a slow start due to injury and forms a legitimate top pair alongside Bowen Byram. 

Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres skates with the puck against the Ottawa Senators during an NHL game on November 5, 2024 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. NHLI via Getty Images

Former first-overall pick Owen Power looked much better in the Sabres’ 5-1 win over Ottawa on Tuesday, skating alongside Jacob Bryson, who has played just two games but should remain in the lineup. 

Conversely, the Rangers look slightly overvalued at 8-2-1,

Igor Shesterkin is the best goalie in the world. He already holds a +11.6 goals saved above expected (GSAx) rating, but his brilliance masks the Rangers’ sub-par defensive play.

Betting on the NHL?

New York has allowed a third-worst 4.01 expected goals against per 60 minutes and 32.1 shots against per 60. 

It’s scary to fade a Rangers side that won the Presidents’ Trophy last season and is off to an 8-2-1 start, but this price suggests it is the right time to do so. 

THE PLAY: Sabres +170 (BetMGM).

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Nicholas Martin handicaps the NHL, MLB and NFL for the New York Post. He strives to include relevant game notes in articles to help bettors come to their own conclusions, but is also up 180 units himself on verified picks in a sports betting app. You can find Nick on X @nickm_hockey.