RANGERS (+125) at SABRES (-145), 7 p.m.
Not much momentum in this one, as both teams have gone 5-4-1 in their last 10.
The Sabres (28-21-7) started the season stronger than anyone could have expected. Forward Jeff Skinner is having a career year with his new club. The 2018 first overall pick -- D Rasmus Dahlin -- is playing exactly as advertised and fans in Buffalo are finally witnessing a winning hockey team after a long run in the basement. They are currently fighting for a wild-card spot, four points out with one game in hand over the Penguins.
The Rangers (24-24-8) are an absolute enigma. Sometimes they play up to their competition (for example Feb. 12’s tilt against the Jets where they lost, 4-3) and other times they lay complete goose eggs. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes that happen as it fluctuates night in and night out.
The Sabres simply want this win more than the Rangers do. They have a far superior roster and there is just more at stake.
Pick: Sabres To Win (-145)
DEVILS (+220) at WILD (-270), 8:30 p.m.
The Devils (21-28-8) suffered another devastating loss Thursday as the Blackhawks put the final nail in the coffin with a shorthanded goal to push the score to 5-2 during a night the Devils showed slight bits of promise.
They head to Minnesota to face the Wild (27-25-5), who gave them trouble less than a week ago at home. Things can only get worse for the Devils on the road against the same team.
Both teams are in a slide (two straight losses), but the Devils’ has lasted all season, especially since losing their top forward (Taylor Hall, lower body) and top defenseman (Sami Vatanen, concussion). Forward Blake Coleman (upper body) also is day-to-day so there is only so much F Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt can do to elevate this team. Keith Kinkaid will get the NJ nod in net.
Pick: Wild To Win (-270)