Bruins vs. Rangers Preview: Teams on Diverging Paths Face Off
As the Boston Bruins prepare to face the New York Rangers, both teams are on diverging paths in the NHL standings. This matchup marks the third encounter this season between these Original Six franchises, each having previously claimed a dominant victory at TD Garden.
Recent Performance and Current Standings
The Bruins have been in strong form, winning eight of their last nine games. They currently sit with a season record of 30 wins, 20 losses, and 2 overtime losses (30-20-2). With this success, Boston is just one point behind the Montreal Canadiens for the top wild card position in the Eastern Conference. In contrast, the Rangers find themselves struggling, holding a record of 21 wins, 25 losses, and 6 overtime losses (21-25-6). They currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Match Details
- Date: Monday
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
- TV/Radio: NESN, NHL Network, WBZ-FM 98.5
- Line: Boston -120
- Over/Under: 6.5
Team Statistics
| Statistics | Boston Bruins | New York Rangers |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 172 | 137 |
| Goals Allowed | 161 | 162 |
| Power Play (%) | 27.6% | 22.8% |
| Penalty Kill (%) | 77.4% | 79.6% |
| Faceoffs Won (%) | 51.8% | 54.7% |
Key Players and Notes
David Pastrnak is nearing a significant milestone, needing just three points to reach 900 career points. Boston’s special teams have also excelled, showcasing the third-best power play in the league at 27.6 percent, converting 42 of 152 opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Rangers have struggled, giving up six straight goals in their last matchup against the Bruins. They have been outscored 45-25 in their last ten games, going 1-7-1 since a win over the Florida Panthers at the Winter Classic.
Looking Ahead
This upcoming game is critical for both teams. The Bruins seek to maintain momentum as they return home for a pair of games later this week. The Rangers, on the other hand, face the possibility of roster changes as management looks to address their falling performance.
