By: DAVID KOLB
NEW YORK RANGERS (16-7-1) @ BUFFALO SABRES (8-9-5)
MOMENTUM CLASHING
Tonight the New York Rangers visit the KeyBank Center as they face off with the Buffalo Sabres. The Rangers are coming off a come-from-behind 3-2 win Tuesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, while the Sabres looked sensational in fending off the Ottawa Senators, winning 5-4 on Tuesday.
EICHEL – PICKING UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF
The Rangers defense will need to keep a close eye on Jack Eichel tonight. The 20-year-old impressed in his return to the ice on Tuesday, tallying a goal and an assist in Buffalo’s win over Ottawa. Eichel has recorded a point in each of his last six games played (2 goals, 6 assists) dating back to the end of last season.
NASHER ON THE RISE
Rangers star winger Rick Nash has exceeded expectations through 24 games, tallying 16 points on 10 goals and 6 assists. Tuesday, he scored the game-tying goal 24-seconds into the third period, and then set up the game-winning goal (Jimmy Vesey) with 5:12 remaining in the third. Nash has recorded 12 goals and 18 points in 19 career games against the Sabres.
NILSSON IN NET
Sabres goalie Anders Nilsson will get the start tonight after No. 1 netminder Robin Lehner suffered a hip injury against the Senators Tuesday. Nilsson has been solid this season, earning the win in relief versus Ottawa, improving his record to 3-2-2 with an impressive 2.20 goals against average and .939 save percentage.
OKPOSO/REINHART PRODUCING
Sabres forwards Kyle Okposo and Sam Reinhart have been essential to the Sabres offensive attack this season. They have each tallied a goal and an assist against the Senators while both have recorded two goals and three assists in the past four games.