The Buffalo Sabres head to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Rangers in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. Buffalo aims to build on a recent 5-3 win over Vancouver after a 10-game winning streak ended in Columbus. The Rangers, hampered by injuries to key players, welcome back forward J.T. Miller.
The Buffalo Sabres are set to play the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, entering the game one point out of a wild card spot. The Rangers trail by two points but have played three more games. This matchup kicks off a busy week for Buffalo, which faces three Eastern Conference playoff contenders during an upcoming five-game homestand against Florida, Philadelphia, and Montreal.
Buffalo's recent form has been strong, with a 5-3 victory over Vancouver on Tuesday snapping a skid after their 10-game winning streak ended with a 1-5 loss in Columbus. The Sabres seek their 12th win in the last 13 games, a mark achieved just four times in franchise history, most recently from November 23 to December 19, 2005.
In net for Buffalo, Colten Ellis makes his first start since suffering a concussion on December 9 in Edmonton. The 25-year-old is 4-3-0 in eight starts this season. "He was playing well before the incident happened, and we know with the schedule we’ve got, we need two goaltenders," coach Lindy Ruff said. The lineup remains unchanged from Tuesday's win, with Josh Doan riding a three-game goal streak—his longest career mark—and Owen Power on a three-game assist streak, one shy of his personal best.
The Rangers face challenges with goaltender Igor Shesterkin on injured reserve and defenseman Adam Fox on long-term injured reserve, both out indefinitely. Shesterkin ranks sixth in the NHL with 8.26 goals saved above expected, while backup Jonathan Quick is seventh at 7.82. Fox averages 23:34 of ice time and has 28 points (4 goals, 24 assists) in 30 games. New York's home record stands at 5-10-4, averaging just 1.89 goals per game at Madison Square Garden.
A bright spot for the Rangers is the return of forward J.T. Miller, sidelined since December 20 with an upper-body injury. Miller, selected for Team USA at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, has 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) in 35 games.
Fans can watch on MSG (pregame at 6:30 p.m.), stream via Gotham Sports App or ESPN+ (out of market), or listen on WGR 550 or the Buffalo Sabres app.
