New York Rangers Return Home to Host the Boston Bruins
Victory in Philadelphia means that the Rangers are coming back to Madison Square Garden with two wins in a row over the Penguins and Flyers. While both were impressive, we’re now going to see if the Rangers can hold their own against a team that is of the same ilk the Blueshirts want to be. It’s an original six-matchup on Broadway as the New York Rangers host the Boston Bruins.
After Igor Shesterkin had a strong outing last night for the Blueshirts, it is going to be up to Jonathan Quick to try and win a goalie duel against one of the best tandems in the NHL. Quick has been one of the stories of the season so far for the New York Rangers, and his success for his boyhood hockey club has warmed the hearts of Rangers fans around the globe. Another strong performance could be huge for this season.
After Mika Zibanejad’s much-needed uptick in production against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Rangers will need their star center to continue his production in the upcoming game with the Bruins. New York’s one clear advantage over their rival right now is their top-end talent. If New York Rangers big four forwards come to play today, the Rangers should be comfortable in this one.
Blake Wheeler will be playing against the team that he broke into the league with almost 15 year ago before trading him to the Atlanta Thrashers. Yes, Wheeler is that old. Ryan Lindgren will also be playing against the team that drafted him. Former Ranger Kevin Shattenkirk will be taking to the ice for the Bruins as he will try to prove the Rangers wrong for their treatment of him many moons ago.
Projected Lineups
New York Rangers
Chris Kreider – Mika Zibanejad – Blake Wheeler
Artemi Panarin – Vincent Trocheck – Alexis Lafreniere
Will Cuylle – Nick Bonino – Kaapo Kakko
Jimmy Vesey – Barclay Goodrow – Tyler Pitlick
K’Andre Miller – Jacob Trouba
Ryan Lindgren – Erik Gustafsson
Zac Jones – Braden Schneider
Jonathan Quick
Igor Shesterkin
Boston Bruins
Brad Marchand – Pavel Zacha – David Pastrnak
James van Riemsdyk – Charlie Coyle – Trent Frederic
Jake DeBrusk – Matthew Poitras – Morgan Geekie
Danton Heinen – John Beecher – Oskar Steen
Matt Grzelcyk – Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm – Brandon Carlo
Derek Forbort – Kevin Shattenkirk
Linus Ullmark
Jeremy Swayman