The Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers meet up for the final time this season after splitting the first two matches. Both teams are on the bubble of making the playoffs, making this a crucial game in the Eastern Conference standings. The Sabres currently trail the eighth-place Rangers by four points. They must get a regulation win in order to stay in contention for the final spot.
The Rangers are getting hot at the right time. Already in the eighth spot, they control their own destiny to stay in the race. If the team gets a regulation win, the secure a playoff berth and eliminate the Sabres in the process. Henrik Lundqvist is surging late in the season, having reached 20 wins for the eighth straight season. In 13 of his last 15 starts, he has allowed two goals or less, with a 1.68 goals-against average. This is solid momentum for the postseason. The Rangers have an easy ride the remainder of the season. The team's remaining games are all against clubs ranked lower than they are in the conference standings.
The Sabres only wish they were in the same position as the Rangers. A lot will have to happen for the team to make it into the postseason. A loss tonight and all of their hard work will go to waste. They are currently on a three-game win streak, while winning six of their last eight games. That is one of the better stretches in recent history of the franchise. Goalie Ryan Miller is doing his best to keep the team in contention. He is 8-2-3 in his last 13 starts with a 1.70 goals-against average. In the team's last game against the Rangers, Miller stopped 26 shots in the shootout loss. That could help the team as they are in a must-win situation with this game.
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