Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we’ll look at the Buffalo Sabres taking on the New York Rangers. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers
2024-25 Season Series: Sabres 2-1 Rangers
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
TV: MSG-B; MSG; ESPN+
The Rangers and the Sabres are squaring off for an opening night matchup, similar to the start of the 2023 season. They played opening night in Buffalo that year and defeated the Sabres, 5-1. While this will be opening night for the Sabres, the Rangers will have a game under their belt against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Rangers will be looking to get back into the playoffs. Two seasons ago, they finished with the President’s Trophy. Last season was underwhelming to say it nicely. They missed the playoffs and dropped to 5th in the Metropolitan Division standings.
The Sabres are, of course, looking to break their 14-year-long playoff drought. Buffalo is also looking to win its first opening-night game since 2022. They started last season 0-3 after two international games went the wrong way against the New Jersey Devils, and then lost at home to the Los Angeles Kings. A faster start would certainly help the Sabres in their quest for the playoffs. This season, they didn’t have to deal with the shortened camp due to the international games. However, the Sabres weren’t without their own complications this training camp.
Starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is currently week-to-week and will most likely not be playing in the opening night game. This paves the way for Alex Lyon to get his first start in a Sabres uniform. Michael Kesselring, the newly acquired defenceman in the JJ Peterka trade, is also week-to-week and will most likely miss the start of the season. Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson are both questionable for the game as well.
Igor Shesterkin will be playing opening night against Pittsburgh on Tuesday; the Rangers will either turn to him again or go to veteran backup Jonathan Quick for the start in Buffalo. After lingering injury concerns, both J.T. Miller and Artemi Panarin will be ready to go for their opening night, so the Sabres should expect them to play on Thursday.
Prediction
The Sabres will be bruised and potentially missing three defencemen on their opening night. And it might be too much for them to overcome in this game.
Prediction: Rangers win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out NHL predictions with our prop bets of the night. For the Sabres, go with Rasmus Dahlin over 0.5 assists in the game. And for the Rangers, go with Artemi Panarin anytime goal scorer. Stick with our NHL predictions for the entire 2025-26 season.
Main photo by: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The post NHL Predictions: Oct. 9 Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.