Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers Prediction, 4/8/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Location: Madison Square Garden in New York, NY

TV: MSG Network

Madison Square Garden is the location where the New York Rangers (33-36-9) will compete against the Buffalo Sabres (46-23-8) on Wednesday.

The Buffalo Sabres were on the right side of the scoreboard with a 4-2 victory against the Lightning in their previous contest . Buffalo had 14 mins in the box in this outing. The Sabres had a solid offensive outing and it was apparent in the victory. Furthermore, they had 4 opportunities with more players on the ice but weren't able to convert one of them into a goal. While out there on the ice, they finished 4 out of the 29 shots they put on net.

In relation to their scoring capabilities, the Buffalo Sabres have accumulated 261 goals (7th in the National Hockey League) so far this season and have given up 231. For the season, they have recorded 100 points and their points percentage is sitting at .649. Buffalo has compiled 231 power play opportunities and they have notched 48 goals out of those attempts, earning them a rate of 20.78%. While playing at even strength, the Sabres have allowed 193 goals while earning 213 on offense. Buffalo has attempted 2,176 shots and holds a shot percentage of 12.0%. The Sabres so far have had 2,255 shots taken against them and have a save percentage of .898. Buffalo Sabres opponents have totaled 212 power play opportunities (22nd in pro hockey) and have tallied 38 goals in those chances.

The man in net for this game is Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Opponents have notched 532 goals against Luukkonen in his pro hockey career and his goals against average is 2.92. Luukkonen has been involved in 187 games throughout his professional hockey career. He has a save percentage of .900 during his 8,292 mins on the ice. He has earned a record of 90-74-18 and got the start in 182 games. For his career, Luukkonen has recorded 100 quality starts and his quality starts percentage sits at .549. Luukkonen has had 5,307 shot attempts taken against him and has recorded 4,775 total saves.

In their last contest, New York squared up with the Capitals in a game where the Rangers notched a victory by a score of 8-1. The Rangers converted 8 goals of the 32 shots on goal they took. They had 4 opportunities on the power play in this contest and scored 2 out of those tries.

The Rangers have 176 goals at even strength and 50 goals (15th in the NHL) while on the power play. New York has taken 1,975 shots (26th in the NHL) and has a shooting percentage of 11.44%, while allowing their opponents 2,269 shots. So far this year, the New York Rangers have tallied 226 goals, 75 points, as well as a points percentage of .481. They have allowed 237 goals to be scored by way of 188 goals at even strength and 49 goals while they had less men on the ice. They have a tally of 201 power play chances and they have earned a power play rate of 24.88%. They have accumulated a penalty kill rate of 79.32% on their oppositions 237 power play chances, and their save percentage currently sits at 89.6%.

Across the ice you are going to see Igor Shesterkin in net. The opposition is averaging 2.49 goals/game and he has yielded 791 goals altogether. Shesterkin's quality start rate is 62.9% and he has qualified for 200 quality starting assignments in his NHL career. He was named a starter in 318 games and has racked up 14,643 mins. Shesterkin is sitting with a lifetime mark of 187-105-28 and has been in goal for 323 contests. He has accrued 8,699 saves out of the 9,490 shots attempted against him, giving him a percentage of .917.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Tony's Pick: Take Buffalo

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