Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word On Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games all season long. This time around, we’re taking a closer look at a matchup featuring the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs Boston Bruins
25-26 Season Series: Rangers 1-0 Bruins
How To Watch: ABC, SN; ESPN+
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Location: TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts
Bruins Overview
The Boston Bruins have been the epitome of up-and-down. Things changed drastically for the Bruins last season, the biggest being the trade of Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers. Since then, Boston has struggled mightily, but there is still some bright spots. The biggest surprise of all has been Morgan Geekie, who has exploded for 25 goals in 43 games this season. He’s set to demolish his career high of 33, which he set last season.
David Pastrnak has continued to keep up to his standards, scoring 48 points in 38 games this season. Pastrnak is the engine of the Bruins offense, so expect the puck to go his way often in this one. The Rangers will keep heavy attention on both him and Geekie, as Vladislav Gavrikov will stick to one of them at all times.
The Bruins goaltending has been good so far, and Jeremy Swayman has played to his usual caliber. Swayman has won 16 of his 30 starts this year, with a goals against average of 2.91 this season. The Bruins haven’t exactly needed to rely on their goaltending but against the Rangers, Boston will to either score plenty of goals or stay solid in the net.
Rangers Overview
The Rangers are on the decline. Many fans and analysts expected this to happen at some point, and that day is upon us as goaltender Igor Shesterkin suffered an injury against the Utah Mammoth. Despite initial concerns, the injury isn’t too serious, but Shesterkin will miss some time. New York will need to get by with Jonathan Quick as the starter, so the Rangers will need to play better in front of him.
Adam Fox is out with a lower body injury this time, but this one is even worse than his previous injury. Fox was placed on long-term injured reserve, missing at least ten games or 24 days. With Fox out for the entirety of January, the Rangers offense and especially the power play will suffer immensely. The Rangers are very injured right now, and the morale is lower than it’s been all season. It doesn’t seem like there’s a way out of this for New York, and it could only get worse.
Predictions and Key Bets to Watch
Prediction: Bruins 4-2 Rangers
We’ll take the Bruins in this one. Boston is coming off a massive losing streak, but with how many injuries the Rangers have, Boston should have the advantage. With McAvoy back in the lineup, all is in order for Boston to take this one handedly. For best bets to watch this week, look out for Morgan Geekie for the Bruins. Geekie has been on fire this season, and the Rangers will have their hands full with Pastrnak, so expect Geekie to get a goal or two in this one.
For the Rangers, look out for JT Miller. Miller has returned to the Rangers lineup, and he tallied an assist against the Sabres on Thursday. Miller will most likely find his way on the scoresheet once again in this one, as he’s seeing top-line minutes and will be on the topline power play.
Main photo by: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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