New York Rangers vs Buffalo Sabres Pick and Prediction for Thursday, October 9, 2025

By: Ricky Mackenzie Published 10/09/2025, 12:40 AM ET

The Rangers opened the season with a 3-0 loss to Pittsburgh and now head to Buffalo still looking for their first goal. Get our free NHL Picks all season long! New York showed flashes of puck control but couldn’t finish, despite multiple power-play chances. Igor Shesterkin held up well in net, but without offensive support, the pressure mounted. It’s too early for panic, but the margin for error is thin with a road back-to-back this early in the year.

Sabres Preview

Buffalo opens its season with heightened expectations after narrowly missing the playoffs last year. The Sabres bring back a young, fast core led by Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson, and will look to start strong at home. With Alex Lyon expected in net, Buffalo will need to limit defensive breakdowns and stay out of the penalty box early. The Sabres have the offensive talent to push pace but must prove they can do it consistently over sixty minutes.

Rangers Preview

For New York, generating high-danger chances will be key. The Rangers lacked net-front presence against the Penguins and settled for shots from the perimeter. If the power play continues to come up empty, five-on-five production must improve. Shesterkin gives New York a chance on any night, but the scoring support can’t stay this quiet for long.

Rangers vs Sabres Pick

This matchup gives Buffalo an opportunity to open with energy and capitalize on a team already searching for answers. If the Sabres push the tempo and attack early, they’ll put pressure on a Rangers group still finding rhythm offensively. The first period could set the tone for how this one unfolds.

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Buffalo will hit the ice fresh, fast, and with something to prove. The Rangers haven’t found their scoring touch yet and may struggle again if early looks don’t convert. Expect the Sabres to control the pace and lean on home ice to grab an opening win. Final Score Prediction, Buffalo Sabres win 3-2.

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