New York Rangers travel upstate for Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
Mar 8, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (15) skates up ice with the puck during the second period against the New York Rangers at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a nice win on Tuesday night, the New York Rangers travel upstate to take on young Jack Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres.

  • New York Rangers (16-7-1)
  • Buffalo Sabres (8-9-5)
  • NHL, Thursday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m. ET, MSG
  • First Niagara Center, Buffalo, NY

While still in New York, the Rangers have traveled upstate to take their act on the road. They’ll square off against young Jack Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres.

That’s right, Eichel is finally back. He made his long-awaited return Tuesday night, scoring a goal and adding an assist in the first period of the Sabres 5-4 victory over the Ottawa Senators, via AP:

“That’s the kind of the spark we were looking for when we need a little bit more offense,” center Sam Reinhart told the Sabres web site. “I think it elevated a bunch of guys’ games; it just kind of gave us that little more confidence out there that we can play with the puck and make plays.”

Backup goalie Anders Nilsson is expected to receive the start thanks to starter Robin Lehner suffering a hip injury in Tuesday’s win.

For the Rangers, we still don’t know who’ll receive the start in net. Henrik Lundqvist has a career mark of 17-10-2 with a stellar 2.29 GAA against Buffalo.

First puck drop comes your way at 7 p.m. ET.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com