The New York Rangers and Boston Bruins are all set for their second meeting of the season, and the Rangers are seeking revenge after losing 5-2 at home in their previous matchup.
The B’s had a very strong showing on Long Island last night, defeating the Islanders by a score of 4-1.
The Rangers have won three out of their last four games and it is likely that their leading goal scorer, Chris Kreider, will be making his return to the lineup.
See how that will impact our NHL picks and predictions for Rangers vs. Bruins on Thursday, January 19.
Bruins vs Rangers best odds
Bruins vs Rangers picks and predictions
The Rangers did not give their best effort the first time around against the Bruins, but they understand that this time around it is a huge measuring stick to see where they are as a team.
There is no denying the fact that the Boston Bruins are the best team in the NHL, but it is very likely that Jeremy Swayman will be starting this game in goal, giving the Rangers the edge in the goaltending battle. This isn’t meant to be a knock on Swayman, he has been outstanding as he enters this game with a .912 save percentage and a 2.35 goals against average, but Igor Shesterkin has just been slightly better, boasting a .918 save percentage and a +14.7 goals saved above expected.
There aren’t many teams that can shut down the Bs’ high-scoring offense, but the Rangers happen to be the fourth-best defensive team, only allowing 2.62 goals against per game. If New York remains disciplined, this is a game that it can win against a Boston team that is playing its third game in four nights.
My best bet: Rangers moneyline (-110 at BetMGM)
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Bruins vs Rangers moneyline analysis
I can’t lie, it has been very difficult to bet against the Bruins this season, because what they have done thus far is more than most words can describe. The Bruins are 35-5-4, but tonight they are going up against a Rangers team that is starting to find its rhythm, going 6-2-2 in the last 10 games and coming off one of their most dominant performances of the season in their most recent game.
It’s no secret that New York’s going to need Shesterkin to bring out his best performance, but he is also more than capable of stealing a game on his own. He’s only allowed five goals against in his last three starts.
The Bruins are certainly beatable, but it’s going to take a full sixty-minute effort from the Rangers and they have been excellent defensively as of late, I think they can shut this Boston offense down.
Bruins vs Rangers Over/Under analysis
I’m sticking to the similar theme that 5.5 seems too low for an Over/Under, even if these are two Top-5 defensive teams in the NHL. There’s so much talent on both teams, whether it’s David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand for the Bruins or Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider for the Rangers, both teams can flat-out score goals.
The Bruins enter this game as the highest-scoring offense in the NHL, averaging 3.82 goals per game and skating to a 3.31 xGF/60. The Rangers haven’t been as productive as the Bs, but they’re scoring 3.16 goals per game while skating to a 3.24 xGF/60.
Swayman against Shesterkin is a good goaltending matchup, but I expect to see some scoring.
Bruins vs Rangers betting trend to know
The Rangers are 7-2 in their last nine home games. Find more NHL betting trends for Bruins vs Rangers.
Bruins vs Rangers game info
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Thursday, January 19, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NESN, MSG |
