Sabres vs Rangers Prediction — AI Finds CAN'T MISS NHL Lines & Props (Jan 08)
Updated: 2026-01-06T03:31:50.923562ZBy Remi at Leans.AI — AI picks for ATS, ML, OU & props
The Buffalo Sabres travel to face the New York Rangers on Thursday, January 8, 2026, with puck drop at 7:00 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Buffalo enters in strong form with a recent win streak and solid scoring depth, while the Rangers look to rebound at home and tighten up defensively.
Get key insights, betting trends, and AI-powered predictions to help incorporate into your betting strategies.
GAME INFO
Date: Jan 08, 2026
Start Time: 8:00 PM EST
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Rangers Record: (20-18)
Sabres Record: (22-15)
OPENING ODDS
BUF Moneyline: -116
NYR Moneyline: -104
BUF Spread: -1.5
NYR Spread: +1.5
Over/Under: 6
BUF
Betting Trends
- The Sabres have covered the spread in four of their last five games, showing strong overall ATS form heading into this matchup.
NYR
Betting Trends
- The Rangers’ recent ATS trends are more mixed, with wins and losses against the spread in their last five games, reflecting inconsistency for bettors at home.
MATCHUP TRENDS
- Totals trends show that Sabres games frequently go under the posted total, especially in recent weeks, while head‑to‑head and combined scoring trends lean toward a moderately challenging over/under, making the total a key betting angle to watch.
BUF vs. NYR
Best Prop Bet
- Remi's searched hard and found the best prop for this matchup: A. Lafreniere under 0.5 Goals.
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Buffalo vs New York Prediction & Odds:
Free NHL Betting Insights for 1/8/26
The Buffalo Sabres visit the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 8, 2026 in a matchup that features a high-energy road team against a defensively disciplined home club. Buffalo enters on a strong run of form, having won several games in a row and showing balanced scoring across multiple lines. Key forwards have consistently contributed, giving the Sabres a potent attack capable of generating sustained offensive pressure. Defensively, Buffalo has been somewhat inconsistent, allowing slightly over three goals per game, but their penalty kill has been among the league’s most reliable, providing stability in key situations. Goaltending and special teams will be pivotal in keeping the Sabres competitive, especially against a team that can capitalize on mistakes in transition. The Rangers have been more inconsistent recently, particularly at home, with mixed results against the spread. Offensively, they rely on stars like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Vincent Trocheck to create scoring opportunities, but depth scoring has been less consistent.
Defensively, New York has been solid, limiting high-danger chances and keeping shots to the perimeter, though periods of offensive stagnation have occasionally put pressure on their goaltenders. The Rangers’ ability to establish early momentum through forechecking and transition play will be key to countering Buffalo’s balanced attack. This game is likely to be determined by execution in critical areas: zone time, special teams, and timely goaltending. Buffalo will aim to control pace, generate net-front traffic, and exploit defensive lapses, while New York will rely on home-ice energy, defensive structure, and opportunistic scoring. Both teams have the talent to make this a closely contested, high-intensity affair, with momentum swings potentially deciding the outcome. If the Sabres sustain offensive pressure and limit mistakes, they could steal points on the road, but the Rangers’ combination of defense, crowd support, and home familiarity ensures that nothing will come easy.
Get live NHL odds and precise AI NHL picks, predictions, and cover probabilities.
Spent the afternoon on the ice! ❄️#LetsGoBuffalo | @1LECOM pic.twitter.com/vjgR16SzaH
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 7, 2026
Buffalo Sabres NHL Preview
The Buffalo Sabres enter their January 8, 2026 matchup against the New York Rangers on the road with momentum from a recent winning streak and balanced offensive contributions across multiple lines. Buffalo’s success has relied on consistent scoring from forwards beyond the top line, creating sustained pressure in the offensive zone and generating high-danger chances from rebounds and traffic in front of the net. Despite offensive strengths, the Sabres have been somewhat inconsistent defensively, allowing just over three goals per game, making disciplined backchecking and strong gap control essential when facing a Rangers team that thrives on transition and quick puck movement. Offensively, Buffalo must focus on maintaining possession and generating quality scoring opportunities rather than relying on low-percentage shots from the perimeter. Secondary scoring is critical, as the top line alone may not overcome New York’s defensive structure. Cycling the puck, winning board battles, and creating net-front presence can allow the Sabres to sustain pressure and control tempo even in a hostile road environment.
Timely passes and smart decision-making in the neutral zone will help prevent turnovers that could lead to odd-man rushes for the Rangers. Special teams will also play a pivotal role. The Sabres’ penalty kill has been elite this season, allowing them to neutralize opposing power plays, while any opportunities on the man advantage must be capitalized upon to swing momentum. Goaltending is another key factor; timely saves can keep Buffalo in the game and frustrate the Rangers’ offensive efforts. If the Sabres execute disciplined defensive schemes, generate opportunistic offense across all lines, and leverage strong special teams, they have a realistic chance to remain competitive deep into the third period and potentially steal points in a tough road matchup, despite New York’s home-ice advantage and defensive structure.
Credit: USA TODAY/IMAGN
New York Rangers NHL Preview
The New York Rangers return home to Madison Square Garden on January 8, 2026 to host the Buffalo Sabres, looking to stabilize their performance and capitalize on home-ice advantage. The Rangers’ season has been defined by strong defensive structure and opportunistic scoring, relying on star forwards like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Vincent Trocheck to create high-danger chances. At home, New York can dictate tempo early, using crowd energy and familiarity with the ice to pressure opponents and establish momentum from the opening puck drop. Depth scoring from secondary forwards and contributions from defensemen joining the rush help maintain offensive balance throughout the game. Defensively, the Rangers focus on limiting high-quality chances in the slot while forcing opponents to take perimeter shots. Gap control, disciplined positioning, and strong backchecking from forwards allow New York to minimize odd-man rushes and protect the crease. Goaltending is critical; timely saves from Igor Shesterkin or a capable backup stabilize the team and allow offensive units to press without panic.
Winning battles along the boards and maintaining defensive structure is essential against a Buffalo team that generates pressure through sustained zone time and net-front traffic. Special teams may be decisive in this matchup. New York’s penalty kill is disciplined, capable of neutralizing Buffalo’s elite power play, while the Rangers’ power play can create momentum with quick puck movement and net-front presence. Discipline and limiting turnovers will be essential to prevent Buffalo from capitalizing on counterattacks. By executing a balanced strategy of structured defense, opportunistic offense, and efficient special teams, the Rangers can control the pace of play and secure a victory. Leveraging home-ice advantage and experience, New York is positioned to counter Buffalo’s road strengths while applying pressure consistently over all three periods.
That's a wrap on a busy December 🎁 pic.twitter.com/vj69bn65H0
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 7, 2026
Buffalo vs New York Prop Picks (AI)
Remi is pouring through mountains of data on each player. In fact, anytime the Sabres and Rangers play there’s always several intriguing observations to key in on. Not to mention games played at Madison Square Garden in Jan rarely follow normal, predictable patterns.
Buffalo vs New York Prediction (AI)
Remi, our AI sports algorithm, has been pouring over exorbitant amounts of data from every simulation between the Sabres and Rangers and using recursive machine learning and impressive AI to boil down the data to a single cover probability.
Interestingly enough, the data has been most fixated on the unproportionally assigned factor human bettors often put on player performance factors between a Sabres team going up against a possibly healthy Rangers team. It appears the true game analytics might reflect a strong lean against one Vegas line specifically.
Unlock this in-depth AI prediction and all of our NHL AI picks for FREE now.
Below is our current AI Buffalo vs New York picks, computer picks Sabres vs Rangers, best bets, model edges, confidence ratings.
|
DATE | GAME | LEAN | %WIN | UNITS | LEVEL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACTIVE PICKS LOCKED - SEE NOW | ||||||
These picks update as information changes—injury reports, and market movement. Each line shows our model’s fair price, the edge versus the market, and a unit confidence rating (1–10). Odds and availability vary by sportsbook and time. Edges are computed against the listed price; value may change after line moves. Always shop for the best number. See the full NHL schedule.
Buffalo Betting Trends
The Sabres have covered the spread in four of their last five games, showing strong overall ATS form heading into this matchup.
New York Betting Trends
The Rangers’ recent ATS trends are more mixed, with wins and losses against the spread in their last five games, reflecting inconsistency for bettors at home.
Sabres vs. Rangers Matchup Trends
Totals trends show that Sabres games frequently go under the posted total, especially in recent weeks, while head‑to‑head and combined scoring trends lean toward a moderately challenging over/under, making the total a key betting angle to watch.
Buffalo vs. New York Game Info
Buffalo vs New York starts on January 08, 2026 at 8:00 PM EST.
Venue: Madison Square Garden.
Spread: New York +1.5
Moneyline: Buffalo -116, New York -104
Over/Under: 6
Buffalo: (22-15) | New York: (20-18)
Remi's searched hard and found the best prop for this matchup: A. Lafreniere under 0.5 Goals.. Prices move—always shop for the best number.
Totals trends show that Sabres games frequently go under the posted total, especially in recent weeks, while head‑to‑head and combined scoring trends lean toward a moderately challenging over/under, making the total a key betting angle to watch.
BUF trend: The Sabres have covered the spread in four of their last five games, showing strong overall ATS form heading into this matchup.
NYR trend: The Rangers’ recent ATS trends are more mixed, with wins and losses against the spread in their last five games, reflecting inconsistency for bettors at home.
See our latest NHL picks and odds pages for 2026 to compare prices before you bet.
Buffalo vs. New York Odds
Remi is pouring through loads of data on each player. In fact, anytime the Buffalo vs New York trends are analyzed, there’s always several intriguing trends to key in on. Not to mention games played at extreme hostile environments rarely follow normal, predictable patterns.
| BUF Moneyline | -116 |
|---|---|
| NYR Moneyline | -104 |
| BUF Spread | -1.5 |
| NYR Spread | +1.5 |
| Over / Under | 6 |
Buffalo vs New York Live Odds
| Games | PTS | ML | SPR | O/U | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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In Progress
Toronto Maple Leafs
Philadelphia Flyers
In Progress
Maple Leafs
Flyers
|
0
1
|
+230
-300
|
+1.5 (-150)
-1.5 (+110)
|
O 4.5 (+105)
U 4.5 (-140)
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|
|
In Progress
Calgary Flames
Boston Bruins
In Progress
Flames
Bruins
|
0
2
|
+450
-650
|
+2.5 (-120)
-2.5 (-110)
|
O 5.5 (-105)
U 5.5 (-125)
|
|
|
In Progress
Florida Panthers
Montreal Canadiens
In Progress
Panthers
Canadiens
|
1
2
|
+185
|
+1.5 (-165)
|
O 6.5 (-140)
U 6.5 (+105)
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|
|
In Progress
Vancouver Canucks
Detroit Red Wings
In Progress
Canucks
Red Wings
|
1
3
|
+600
-1000
|
+2.5 (+100)
-2.5 (-135)
|
O 7.5 (+150)
U 7.5 (-200)
|
|
|
In Progress
Anaheim Ducks
Carolina Hurricanes
In Progress
Ducks
Hurricanes
|
1
1
|
+145
-185
|
+1.5 (-225)
-1.5 (+165)
|
O 5.5 (-135)
U 5.5 (+100)
|
|
|
In Progress
New Jersey Devils
Pittsburgh Penguins
In Progress
Devils
Penguins
|
0
2
|
+375
-525
|
+2.5 (-150)
-2.5 (+110)
|
O 5.5 (+100)
U 5.5 (-135)
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|
|
In Progress
Buffalo Sabres
New York Rangers
In Progress
Sabres
Rangers
|
1
0
|
-250
+190
|
-1.5 (+115)
+1.5 (-155)
|
O 4.5 (-200)
U 4.5 (+145)
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|
|
In Progress
Edmonton Oilers
Winnipeg Jets
In Progress
Oilers
Jets
|
0
0
|
-110
-115
|
+1.5 (-295)
-1.5 (+210)
|
O 5.5 (+115)
U 5.5 (-155)
|
|
|
In Progress
New York Islanders
Nashville Predators
In Progress
Islanders
Predators
|
0
0
|
+110
-140
|
+1.5 (-250)
-1.5 (+180)
|
O 5.5 (+130)
U 5.5 (-175)
|
|
|
Jan 8, 2026 9:00PM EST
Ottawa Senators
Colorado Avalanche
1/8/26 9PM
Senators
Avalanche
|
–
–
|
+225
-275
|
+1.5 (-105)
-1.5 (-115)
|
O 6.5 (-130)
U 6.5 (+105)
|
|
|
Jan 8, 2026 10:00PM EST
Columbus Blue Jackets
Las Vegas Golden Knights
1/8/26 10PM
Blue Jackets
Golden Knights
|
–
–
|
+129
|
+1.5 (-190)
|
O 6.5 (+100)
U 6.5 (-120)
|
|
|
Jan 8, 2026 10:00PM EST
Minnesota Wild
Seattle Kraken
1/8/26 10PM
Wild
Kraken
|
–
–
|
-150
+129
|
-1.5 (+164)
+1.5 (-190)
|
O 6 (-105)
U 6 (-115)
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|
|
Jan 9, 2026 8:00PM EST
Los Angeles Kings
Winnipeg Jets
1/9/26 8PM
Kings
Jets
|
–
–
|
-125
+105
|
-1.5 (+195)
+1.5 (-235)
|
O 5.5 (-110)
U 5.5 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 8:00PM EST
Washington Capitals
Chicago Blackhawks
1/9/26 8PM
Capitals
Blackhawks
|
–
–
|
-150
+125
|
-1.5 (+155)
+1.5 (-190)
|
O 6 (-115)
U 6 (-105)
|
NHL Past Picks
Remi—our in-house AI—prices every game and prop using multi-season priors, tempo/efficiency, injury/usage signals, and market movement.
We publish fair prices, recommended “buy-to” numbers, and confidence so you can bet prices, not teams.
This preview covers Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Rangers on January 08, 2026 at Madison Square Garden.
Odds shown reflect widely available numbers and may update closer to kickoff.
Want more? Check live edges, player props, and line moves on our NHL odds pages, and compare prices before you place a bet.
|
NHL |
LEAN | %WIN | UNITS | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WPG@TOR | TOR -133 | 58.8% | 4 | WIN |
| MIN@SJ | SJ +150 | 47.4% | 1 | WIN |
| WAS@FLA | FLA -118 | 56.6% | 3 | WIN |
| MIN@WPG | MIN -113 | 55.1% | 4 | WIN |
| PHI@CHI | PHI -125 | 56.1% | 4 | WIN |
| DAL@DET | DAL -125 | 58.0% | 6 | LOSS |
| ANA@CLB | ZACH WERENSKI OVER 1.5 BLOCKS | 54.4% | 4 | LOSS |
| NSH@STL | NSH -105 | 53.3% | 3 | WIN |
| OTT@WPG | OVER 5.5 | 54.0% | 3 | LOSS |
| TB@NYI | TB -130 | 60.9% | 6 | LOSS |
| LV@NYI | NYI +120 | 46.1% | 1 | WIN |
| BUF@CGY | OVER 5.5 | 52.2% | 1 | WIN |
| MIN@CGY | MIN -115 | 56.5% | 6 | LOSS |
| PIT@TB | UNDER 6.5 | 54.8% | 3 | LOSS |
| TOR@FLA | OVER 6 | 53.8% | 3 | PUSH |
| MON@LV | OVER 6 | 54.4% | 4 | LOSS |
| PHI@FLA | SAM BENNETT UNDER 2.5 SHOTS ON GOAL | 54.1% | 4 | LOSS |
| BOS@NYI | MATHEW BARZAL OVER 0.5 ASSTS | 54.4% | 4 | LOSS |
| CLB@WAS | OVER 6.5 | 54.2% | 3 | LOSS |
| CLB@DET | DET -135 | 67.0% | 6 | WIN |
| STL@PHI | UNDER 5.5 | 54.6% | 4 | WIN |
| CAR@MIN | OVER 6 | 56.4% | 4 | WIN |
| PHI@STL | JORDAN BINNINGTON UNDER 22.5 SAVES | 54.4% | 4 | LOSS |
| CLB@SEA | CLB +110 | 44.6% | 1 | WIN |
| MIN@NYI | MATHEW BARZAL OVER 0.5 PTS | 56.6% | 6 | WIN |
| PHI@NSH | NSH -122 | 55.7% | 3 | LOSS |
| SJ@SEA | JORDAN EBERLE OVER 0.5 ASSTS | 53.3% | 3 | LOSS |
| CAR@NYR | OVER 5.5 | 53.5% | 3 | LOSS |
| PIT@TOR | OVER 6.5 | 53.5% | 3 | WIN |
| VAN@NSH | OVER 5.5 | 53.9% | 3 | WIN |
| NJ@ANA | ANA +110 | 44.8% | 1 | WIN |
| DET@ANA | DET -100 | 51.5% | 3 | LOSS |
| NYI@CAR | UNDER 6.5 | 54.1% | 4 | LOSS |
| WPG@MIN | WPG -115 | 56.4% | 4 | WIN |
| NYI@BOS | UNDER 6.5 | 55.0% | 3 | LOSS |
| MIN@NYR | OVER 5.5 | 54.2% | 3 | LOSS |
| ANA@CHI | ANA -125 | 56.9% | 3 | LOSS |
| MIN@WAS | WAS -120 | 56.2% | 3 | WIN |
| WPG@PHI | WPG -132 | 56.7% | 3 | WIN |
| NYR@TOR | TOR -133 | 58.6% | 4 | WIN |
| CGY@UTA | OVER 6 | 53.8% | 3 | LOSS |
| OTT@BUF | OTT -108 | 53.1% | 3 | LOSS |
| FLA@DET | AARON EKBLAD OVER 0.5 POINTS | 54.0% | 4 | LOSS |
| LA@MIN | LA -110 | 56.0% | 5 | LOSS |
| STL@VAN | VAN -121 | 54.6% | 4 | LOSS |
| BUF@BOS | BOS -114 | 54.9% | 3 | WIN |
| ANA@SEA | SEA -125 | 54.2% | 3 | WIN |
| ANA@SEA | TROY TERRY OVER 0.5 POINTS | 53.3% | 3 | LOSS |
| BOS@WAS | ALEX OVECHKIN TO SCORE A GOAL | 41.4% | 2 | LOSS |
| FLA@EDM | MATTHEW TKACHUK OVER 0.5 ASSTS | 53.70% | 3 | WIN |
| FLA@EDM | RYAN NUGENT-HOPKINS OVER 1.5 SHOTS ON GOAL | 54.50% | 4 | LOSS |
