The Rangers won each of their past two games by shootout on their recently completed four-game road trip. The Sabres arrived in New York City after defeating the Ottawa Senators 9-2 at home Saturday, ending their three-game losing streak (0-1-2). The nine goals were the most the Sabres have scored in a game since Jan. 27, 2009, when they defeated the Edmonton Oilers 10-2. Buffalo has points in six of its past seven games (4-1-2).
Players to watch
Sabres forward Jeff Skinner has 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in his past 10 games. It's the best 10-game stretch of his NHL career. Rangers center Brett Howden has four points (one goal, three assists) in his past four games.
They said it
"We just want to keep it going. It's going to be a tough test in New York. Madison Square Garden and the Rangers, we know they're going to be psyched up." -- Sabres center Jack Eichel "The thing I really have liked the last two games is we haven't been giving the opponent much room. I think we've had a chance to create more transition because we have forced more turnovers through the neutral zone." -- Rangers coach David Quinn
Dahlin left the game Saturday in the second period with an undisclosed injury and did not return. He made the trip to New York, but he's a game-time decision. The Sabres didn't have a morning skate. … Buchnevich will play after being scratched the past two games. … Quinn said Nieves has been cleared but needs more practice time before he gets in a game.
Stat pack
Eichel has points in four straight games (one goal, seven assists). He also has points in four straight road games (eight assists). … Hutton is 4-0-0 with a 1.35 goals-against average and .960 save percentage against the Rangers. … Buffalo is 7-for-22 on the power play in its past six games.
