The regular season NHL game in which the Buffalo Sabres hosted the New York Rangers has concluded. The contest took place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo and ended with a Rangers victory, 2-1, in overtime. The decisive goal that sealed the win came during extra time, adding another chapter to a closely fought game between two Eastern Conference rivals.
The scoring sequence began in the second period when Sabres winger Jeff Skinner struck first, putting Buffalo on the scoreboard with a precise finish that energized the home crowd. Shortly thereafter, the Rangers responded as Patrick Kane tied the game, showcasing his veteran playmaking and ability to turn momentum in a high-stakes matchup. The teams traded chances through the remainder of regulation as both sides pressed for a critical two points that could shape their playoff eligibility and positioning.
With the score tied late in regulation, the game moved to overtime where the Rangers found the game winner. Artemi Panarin secured the victory for New York, delivering a skillful finish that underscored his reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic scorers. The overtime period highlighted both teams’ perseverance and the high pace that characterizes contemporary NHL hockey, leaving the Buffalo faithful disappointed but with plenty of positives to carry forward in the season.
As a result of the win, New York sits in sixth place in the NHL Eastern Conference standings with 82 points, while Buffalo remains in 11th place in the East with 69 points. The outcome has implications for the playoff race, illustrating how every point in late-season games can swing the balance of home-ice opportunities and seeding for both clubs. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the schedule progresses, tracking how New York converts this OT success into continued momentum and how Buffalo responds after a tough loss that came at a critical juncture of the season.
Looking ahead, the Rangers were scheduled to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in a game set for today at 11:00 Moscow time, continuing their road slate. Earlier in the calendar, Buffalo was lined up for a tilt with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a matchup that would test the Sabres against another strong division rival and offer a diagnostic read on their competitive trajectory for the remainder of the season. The calendar continues to present meaningful challenges for both teams as they push to maximize their position in a competitive conference and pursue the broader franchise goals of returning to deep playoff runs.