The New York Rangers host the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. This is the third meeting between these teams this season. The Bruins won 6-3 in their last matchup, while the Rangers took the first game 2-1 in early January.
Both teams are fighting for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Boston is looking for its third straight win after shutting out the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. New York is coming off a comeback win over the Vegas Golden Knights and is hoping to build momentum.
Rangers Preview – Can They Keep the Momentum?
The Rangers struggled in recent games but showed a strong third-period effort against Vegas. J.T. Miller, recently acquired in a trade, assisted on two power-play goals in that win. Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin led the scoring, helping the team snap a three-game losing streak.
New York has a balanced attack, averaging 2.76 goals per game. Their power play has been effective, converting on 14.88% of opportunities. Defenseman Adam Fox leads the blue line, but the team will be without Adam Edstrom, who is out with an injury.
Igor Shesterkin is expected in goal, posting a .898 save percentage this season. The Rangers allow 3.08 goals per game, which they will need to improve against Boston’s offense. New York will aim to start fast, similar to their win over the Bruins in January.
Bruins Preview – Can They Stay Hot?
Boston is playing well, winning seven of its last 11 games. David Pastrnak has been key, with 10 goals in his last 11 games. He had a hat trick in their last game against the Rangers, leading the offense in a dominant 6-3 win.
The Bruins are averaging 2.76 goals per game and converting 14.88% of power-play chances. Their defense has improved, allowing fewer than three goals in four of their last five games. Charlie McAvoy has played well since returning from injury, scoring in back-to-back games.
Jeremy Swayman is coming off a 35-save shutout against Minnesota. He has a .898 save percentage and will likely start again. Boston will try to control possession and limit the Rangers’ power-play opportunities.
Betting Prediction
The Rangers are favored at -200 on the moneyline, while the Bruins are +165 underdogs. The total is set at 6.0 goals. Boston has been playing well and could take advantage of the Rangers’ defensive struggles.
New York is strong at home, but Boston’s recent form makes them a solid underdog pick. With Swayman in goal and Pastrnak leading the offense, the Bruins have value at +165. The total could go over if both teams find success on the power play. When push comes to shove, taking the Boston Bruins at the +165 number is the bet to make here. In a rivalry game, the Bruins top the Rangers.
Pick: Boston Bruins +165
