When you look at the increasingly congested Eastern Conference bubble - just cross of the Capitals and Panthers to really get the picture - the New York Rangers possess an edge. But it’s not a large one.
Alain Vigneault seemed alarmed after watching his team (deservedly?) get shut out by the Senators yesterday, so there’s an added urgency to this home game against the Buffalo Sabres. They’ll need to grab a win without Rick Nash for another game, to boot.
The Sabres are going through growing pains, but there’s still talent on tap in the likes of Jack Eichel, Rasmus Ristolainen and Ryan O’Reilly. Watch one team with more present-oriented hopes take on a possible team of the future on NBCSN, and also via the stream below.
For more on this contest, check out the full preview.