Gamenight: Rangers at Sabres 7:30pm

Rangers 24-15-3, 51 pts
Sabres 20-15-5, 45 pts

Steve Valiquette is in goal tonight, the first of a back to back for the Rangers. To pick one game for him to play this weekend, tonight would be the one that makes sense coming off a loss. Also makes sense considering the opponents, as pointed out by Sam Weinman.

Brandon Dubinsky and Marc Staal were named as participants for the YoungStars game. Maybe the news will give Dubi flashbacks of last year's game in which he earned MVP honors and scored a couple of goals, which in turn can lead to some production in the games that count. He's getting close though, as long he keeps getting the chances he got Wednesday he should be okay. Perhaps some energy with Lauri Korpikoski playing on his line will help generate some more scoring opportunities.

On the Sabres front, you will not see Patrick Kaleta hit anyone from behind; he's out with a head injury after being suckerpunched. Now why would someone do that to him? Paul Mara will have to wait until their next meeting to retaliate and take an ill-advised penalty. So this is probably a good thing. Tim Connolly, however, is expected to return to the lineup tonight. He has not played since early November. This might not be a good thing as he always seems to give the Rangers fits with his moves entering the offensive zone.