The first New York Rangers game of 2025 is here, providing the Rangers with a chance to be 1-0 on the year. The Blueshirts return back to Madison Square Garden as they host the Boston Bruins in an Original Six matchup.
Boston (20-15-4) has lost two out of their last three games. The Bruins have not lived up to expectations this season similar to the Rangers. Though, New York has a ways to climb as they are currently in last place in the Metropolitan Division with 33 points and a 16-19-1 overall record.
Records aside, Brad Marchand is obviously the opposing team's player to watch ahead of the Jan. 2 matchup.
Brad Marchand
While David Pastrnak is Boston's leading scorer, second to him is Marchand with 31 points.
Marchand has been described as chirpy, antagonistic, indomitable, and irritating. The feisty left wing has carved a notable NHL career ever since being drafted by the Bruins in 2006.
This year, the Canadian has appeared in 39 games and scored 15 goals in addition to tallying 16 assists (+3).
Marchand was named Bruins captain Sept. 20, 2023. He had two assists in his 1,000th NHL game, a 3-2 shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Garden in February of 2024. He also set the Bruins record for Stanley Cup Playoff goals, passing Cam Neely with his 56th in a 3-1 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 4 of the 2024 Eastern Conference First Round at Scotiabank Arena on April 27.
Finally, he played in the NHL All-Star game in 2017 and 2018. Marchand was also named to the NHL First All-Star Team in 2017 and 2021.
How to Tune In
Puck drop for the Rangers hosting Boston at MSG is slated for 7:00 p.m. EST, tonight — Thursday, Jan. 2. The game will be streamed via ESPN+ and be sure to tune into our Twitter for live updates.