In this article we will formulate a NY Rangers vs Boston Bruins prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, January 2nd at Madison Square Garden in New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
NY Rangers Betting Preview
The NY Rangers are 16-19-1 this year after they lost to Florida by a score of 5-3 in their last game. New York erased a 2-0 deficit in the second and also tied the game at three in the third, but they allowed the last two goals in the game for the loss. The Rangers outshot Florida by a total of 35-26, won 45.1% of the face-offs, and went 1-5 on the power play in the game. New York got goals from Chytil, Kreider, and Lindgren, while Shesterkin stopped 21 out of 25 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Rangers lost to Tampa Bay by a score of 6-2 and New Jersey by a score of 5-0. New York has lost four games in a row and seven of their last eight, and they are last in the Metro standings with 33 points. New York has scored 2.81 goals per game and they have allowed 3.14 goals against per game, while also going 18% on the power play and 84.7% on the penalty kill this season. Artemi Panarin has led New York with 16 goals, 23 assists, and 106 shots on goal, while Adam Fox has added one goal, 27 assists, and 59 shots on goal this year. Jonathan Quick is 5-4-0 with a 2.69 goals against average and a .907 save percentage this season.
Boston Bruins Betting Preview
The Boston Bruins are 20-15-4 this season after they lost to Washington by a score of 3-1 in their last game. Boston led 1-0 in the first period, but they couldn’t find any more offense and allowed the last three goals in the loss. The Bruins recorded 27 shots on goal, won 52.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Boston got their lone goal from Brazeau, while Swayman stopped 24 out of 26 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Bruins defeated the Blue Jackets by a score of 4-0, but also lost to the Blue Jackets by a score of 6-2 before that. Boston has won five of their last eight games and they are third in the Atlantic standings with 44 points. Boston has scored 2.62 goals per game and they have allowed 3.03 goals against per game, while also averaging 13% on the power play and 75.6% on the penalty kill this season. David Pastrnak has led Boston with 13 goals, 24 assists, and 156 shots on goal, while Brad Marchand has added 15 goals, 16 assists, and 113 shots on goal this year. Jeremey Swayman is 13-11-3 with a 2.90 goals against average and an .891 save percentage this season.
Why the Bruins will beat the Rangers
- The Rangers have lost seven of their last eight games.
- The Bruins have won each of their last five night games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Rangers have failed to cover the puck line in 10 of their last 11 games.
- The favorites have covered the puck line in each of the Rangers’ last four games.
- The Rangers have lost the third period in seven of their last eight games as home underdogs following a road loss.
Total Goals Facts
- Nine of the Rangers’ last 10 night games against Eastern Conference opponents at Madison Square Garden have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Eight of the Bruins’ last nine games against opponents on a losing streak have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in 10 of the Bruins’ last 11 road games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in seven of the Rangers’ last eight games following a road loss.
New York Rangers Player Prop Facts
- Artemi Panarin has recorded at least one point in each of the Rangers’ last 13 games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Adam Fox has recorded at least one assist in each of the Rangers’ last five games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Artemi Panarin has scored a goal in three of the Rangers’ last four games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
Boston Bruins Player Prop Facts
- Charlie Coyle has scored at least one goal in four of the Bruins’ last five games at Madison Square Garden.
- Brad Marchand has recorded at least one point in each of the Bruins’ last eight games as road favorites.
- Mason Lohrei has recorded at least one assist in seven of his last eight appearances with the Bruins as favorites.
- Justin Brazeau has scored the first goal in three of the Bruins’ last four games against Eastern Conference opponents.
NY Rangers vs Boston Bruins Prediction
New York comes into this matchup trying to get their season back on track, but they have lost seven of their last eight games and they are one of the worst teams in the East. New York is 7-9-1 at home this year, while Boston is 8-9-2 on the road. Boston has stabilized after a very poor start to the season and their offense is starting to score with more consistency. I do expect New York to bounce back eventually, but I can’t back them until I see the improvement with my own two eyes. Take the Bruins here.