The New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres get their season underway tonight Keybank Center in Buffalo. The Sabres sit as slight home underdogs around +105 on the NHL odds board, making for some interesting potential NHL picks tonight.
The Sabres took a huge step forward last season and missed the playoffs by a single point. Meanwhile, the Rangers ultimately failed in the form of a first-round exit that led to a coaching change behind the bench.
Which team will get off on the right foot this season? Find out with our Rangers vs. Sabres betting preview below.
Rangers vs Sabres odds
Rangers vs Sabres predictions
Tage Thompson underwhelmed in his first few seasons but the big forward found his stride for the Buffalo Sabres last season.
Thompson broke out in a big way to the tune of 47 goals and 47 assists in 78 games for Buffalo. He has some pretty good NHL player props odds to score a goal on opening night against the Rangers.
Thompson’s seven-year contract extension he signed last summer kicks in this year and he should start the season with a bang. He centers Jeff Skinner and Alex Tuch on the top line, and that trio is joined by Dylan Cozens and Rasmus Dahlin on the top power-play unit.
The big center scored goals in 34 of 78 games (43.6%) last season, including 19 of 39 (48.7%) home games. Thompson is as high as +170 to score a goal in the season opener which implies a probability of just 37.04%, meaning there's some value on Thompson to find the back of the net tonight.
My best bet: Tage Thompson anytime goalscorer (+170 at SIA)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Rangers vs Sabres same-game parlay
Tage Thompson anytime goalscorer (+170)
Sabres ML (+110)
Sabres TT Over 2.5 (-185)
Betting Thompson to score gives us a good starting leg for a same-game parlay. On top of that, we can add some correlated picks for a nice payout.
The Sabres scored at least three goals in 55 of their 82 games last season and at least four goals in 39 contests. The Rangers are a stingier team with Igor Shesterkin in the net, so let’s play it a bit safer with a team total of Over 2.5.
Home teams have been finding success early in the season thus far which isn’t surprising. Home-ice advantage should always be factored in but especially so in the early going. Adding in the Sabres to win gets us to a +333 payout.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best NHL bonuses
New Users
Get up to $1,500 bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win! Claim Now
New Users
Get up to $1,000 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win! Claim Now
All Users
Sabres, Blue Jackets, Devils & Panthers all win on 10/12 BOOSTED to +1,200! Bet Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2023.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Rangers vs Sabres moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Rangers opened up as favorites at around -130 a few weeks ago and the line hasn’t moved too much since then. The Sabres come back as +110 underdogs.
The total has also remained at 6.5, although the over is now slightly favored at -115 with the under at -105.
It’s not too surprising that there hasn’t been much line movement in this game. Neither team has had any major injuries or changes to their lineup in recent weeks.
I’m expecting Buffalo to come out strong on home ice to begin a season with high expectations. The Sabres introduced themselves to the league last year and they’re ready to make a statement this campaign.
While the Rangers may have a better team on paper, they also have to work out some chemistry issues with youngsters like Alexis Lafrenière yet to find their way.
I’m also leaning toward the Under 6.5 at -105 in this game. There have been goals galore thus far but these are two teams that are built from the back out. Shesterkin ran away with the Vezina Trophy two years ago and put up a .916 SV% and 2.48 GAA in a “down year” last season.
The Sabres have a stable of young defensemen with budding rookie Devon Levi in the crease.
Rangers vs Sabres betting trend to know
The Under is 20-7-2 in the Rangers’ last 29 games against the Atlantic. While this is a new season, it’s a trend worth noting. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Sabres.
Kentucky: Mobile sports betting is live!
Check out the best Kentucky sportsbook promos, with a number of odds boosts and offers available!
Kentucky sports betting launched online wagering on September 28 — review our list of the best Kentucky sports betting apps for making your first online bets in the Bluegrass State!
21+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Rangers vs Sabres game info
| Location: | KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY |
| Date: | Thursday, October 12, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Rangers vs Sabres latest injuries
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
