The new season has arrived. There’s already been several games played over the last 48 hours. That included Blackhawks’ top pick Connor Bedard scoring his first NHL goal last night in a loss to the Bruins. It also featured a pair of hat tricks. Auston Matthews was outdone by Brock Boeser, who scored four times in a shocking Canucks’ 8-1 blowout of the Oilers.

On Day Three, it’s time for the Rangers to play their first game. They visit the Sabres in Western New York later tonight. It’s a Battle of New York upstate. On what promises to be an emotional scene with Buffalo honoring the memory of legendary voice Rick Jeanneret, it should be an interesting game.

If the Rangers expect more from themselves with new coach Peter Laviolette, then the Sabres have higher expectations after just missing their first postseason in over a decade. They believe last season was the beginning of their return to prominence. They should compete for the playoffs in an improved Eastern Conference.

With a young nucleus that features Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, Casey Mittlestadt, Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and rookie netminder Devon Levi, the Sabres are a promising team that’s headed in the right direction.

Thompson established career highs with 47 goals, 47 assists, and 94 points. His 20 power play goals tied with the Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad for the third most in the league last season. His 47 goals ranked sixth. The 25-year-old from Phoenix centers a potent top line that includes Jeff Skinner and Alex Tuch. The trio will be a handful for opponents.

The Sabres also boast Cozens, who is fast becoming a two-way scoring pivot that can impact games. In only his third season, he set career bests in goals (31), assists (37), points (68), and paced Buffalo with two shorthanded goals. He’ll center the second line. Having signed long-term along with Thompson and key defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, Cozens is a big part of the resurgence in Western New York.

Dahlin is already one of the game’s best young defensemen. After signing an extension that will average $11 million per season beginning in 2024-25, the 23-year-old former top pick could challenge for the Norris. He posted a career high 73 points, including 58 assists in 2022-23. Dahlin improved his overall play with a plus-12 rating. He added a physical edge to his game.

With GM Kevyn Adams locking up 2021 top pick Owen Power over the long haul, the Sabres have the building blocks for a solid foundation on the blue line. Mattias Samuelsson is an overlooked player who keeps opponents honest. His role is similar to Ryan Lindgren for the Blueshirts.

In the off-season, Buffalo added steady veteran Erik Johnson. He should help stabilize a defense that struggled.

If they are to go anywhere, both the defense and goaltending must perform better. They’re banking on Devon Levi to solidify the net. For a player who won five of his first seven career starts, it’s a lot to ask of the 21-year-old.

Here’s how the Sabres will line up. They’ll play 11 forwards and 7 defensemen.

Jeff Skinner-Tage Thompson-Alex Tuch

J.J. Peterka-Dylan Cozens-Victor Olofsson

Jordan Greenway-Casey Mittlestadt-Zach Benson

Tyson Jost Matt Savoie

Keep an eye on Zach Benson. Passed up by several teams in the 2023 NHL Draft, the 13th pick made the team out of training camp with a superb preseason. Listed at only 5-9, 163 pounds, the highly skilled 18-year-old Benson is a fast skater who knows where to go. It’ll be interesting to see if the teenager can stick. He’s certainly opened a lot of eyes.

The Rangers are expecting more out of Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere. Both start the season in the top six. The first time, they’ll get the chance to prove themselves in significant roles.

Each is coming off their best season. Kakko posted career highs in goals (18), assists (22), and points (40), while becoming more defensively responsible. He’ll have the opportunity to play with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider on the top line.

Lafreniere finished 2022-23 with career bests in assists (23) and points (39). He also had a plus-10 rating. However, he didn’t have a point in the seven game first round defeat last spring. That led to criticism from both the media and fans. Honestly, nobody played well in that series. It was a debacle.

Entering his fourth season, Lafreniere is being given every chance to stick on the second line. Despite a disappointing preseason, he’ll start with Artemi Panarin and Filip Chytil. It’s make or break for him.

Chytil will also be counted on for more offense. After going 22-23-45 in 74 games, the former first round pick is capable of scoring between 25 to 30 goals. The question is whether or not he can avoid the injury bug that kept him out most of the preseason.

By bringing in Blake Wheeler, that should help improve secondary scoring. Something that became an issue last year. Wheeler will play with Vincent Trocheck and rookie Will Cuylle to begin the season. We’ll see what the 37-year-old veteran can do in a different role. Adding his leadership can’t hurt. He was the former captain in Winnipeg.

Cuylle impressed Laviolette during preseason. His ability to score gritty goals and finish checks should make him a good addition. It’s only his second pro season. If he can stick, that would help toughen up a roster that needs it.

For tonight, Tyler Pitlick will get the nod over Jimmy Vesey on the fourth line. It looks like Laviolette prefers his edge to Vesey’s speed. Barclay Goodrow and Nick Bonino round out what should be an improved checking line.

As noted during Wednesday’s preview, the defense remains the same. Ryan Lindgren and Adam Fox will start together. K’Andre Miller is still with Jacob Trouba. The only difference is that Erik Gustafsson will pair with Braden Schneider.

With Igor Shesterkin in goal, here’s how the Rangers will look.

Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Kaapo Kakko

Artemi Panarin-Filip Chytil-Alexis Lafreniere

Will Cuylle-Vincent Trocheck-Blake Wheeler

Barclay Goodrow-Nick Bonino-Tyler Pitlick

Ryan Lindgren-Adam Fox

K’Andre Miller-Jacob Trouba

Erik Gustafsson-Braden Schneider

Igor Shesterkin