The New York Rangers are about to have a very tough test as they head into Boston on Saturday afternoon to take on a soaring Bruins team that have won nine games in a row.
The B's have gotten the best of the Blueshirts in the first two meetings this season, outscoring them by a combined 8-3, and both of those games were at MSG.
Boston will look to continue its dominance over New York and extend its win streak to 10 games. Find out my best bet in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for the Bruins vs. Rangers on March 4.
Rangers vs Bruins best odds
Rangers vs Bruins picks and predictions
The Boston Bruins continue to look unstoppable. Even when they aren’t playing their best, they’re finding ways to win. They swept the West Coast Canada trip, winning games against the Canucks, Oilers, and Flames, then returned home and smacked the Sabres by the score of 7-1. The B’s are looking to ride that momentum into this game against a Rangers team that needs to learn how to find their chemistry.
The Rangers did not look their best on Thursday night in what was Patrick Kane’s first game as a member of the team. They were turning pucks over and looked very sloppy in the defensive zone.
Boston has been arguably the best team in the NHL, not only offensively, but defensively. It is the second-best offensive team in the league — averaging 3.79 goals per game — while allowing 2.08 gpg. It also has the seventh-best power play in the league and the best penalty kill, so the special teams aren’t lacking at all.
The Rangers haven’t been able to solve the Bruins all season, not many teams have, but they will also be without two of their best defenseman in Ryan Lindgren and K’Andre Miller. It’s going to be very difficult for New York, I think Boston wins this one in 60 minutes.
My best bet: Bruins 3-way moneyline (-115 at BetMGM)
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Rangers vs Bruins moneyline analysis
The Bruins' roster is absolutely buzzing right now. In their last ten games, Brad Marchand has tallied three goals with four assists, Patrice Bergeron has scored four goals and five assists, while Jake DeBrusk has added five goals with five assists.
These three are leading the way, but the second line hasn’t looked so bad either, Pavel Zacha has added five goals and three assists, David Krejci has only tallied one goal but has six assists, and David Pastrnak has added five goals with six assists of his own.
The Rangers top six forwards haven’t been too shabby themselves, but they are still getting familiar with one another, unlike this Boston group that has been together for a decent amount of time. The biggest concern right now for New York is the goaltending.
Igor Shesterkin and Jaroslav Halak haven’t been at their best lately, while Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman almost seem impossible to score on. Boston is rolling right now and New York doesn't have its full lineup ready to go, to me this is Boston’s game.
Rangers vs Bruins Over/Under analysis
The Bruins have been outstanding in the defensive zone lately — allowing just seven goals in their last four games — and the Rangers are still trying to find their chemistry in the offensive end with their new acquisitions.
New York's power play seemed to struggle in its last game as it wasn’t able to convert on its four attempts, including a five-minute major, so it might take time to see this unit click.
I see this game being very low scoring like the last game that these two teams played each other when the final score was 3-1 Bruins.
Boston is the best defensive team in the NHL and should be able to shut the Rangers down. New York might struggle defensively against Boston a bit, but Igor Shesterkin will be there to try and bail out the defense.
I think this will be low scoring.
Rangers vs Bruins betting trend to know
The Boston Bruins have won nine straight games. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs Bruins.
Rangers vs Bruins game info
Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
Date: | Saturday, March 4, 2023 |
Puck drop: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
TV: | NESN, MSG |