New York at Buffalo

New York hired Peter Laviolette to get it to the next step in the playoffs after the Rangers lost to New Jersey in the first round, and the Rangers added seven veteran free agents in the offseason. It will be Laviolette's job to get the new and young players to mesh with the right chemistry. New York was #4 in the NHL with a 2.63 goals-against average and Igor Shesterkin is probable tonight after finishing 37-13-8 with a 2.48 GAA and .916 save percentage in 2022-23. Buffalo will try again to make the playoffs and that hasn't happened for 12 years. The Sabres did improve last season and were 42-33-7, but they were #26 with a 3.62 goals-against average. Devon Levi is likely in net tonight for Buffalo. New York has won 26 of the past 35 meetings and 12 of 17 at Buffalo. Make it a Max Play on the Rangers.