After two weeks of rest, the New York Rangers finally return to the ice to face the Boston Bruins. Here is a Rangers vs. Bruins pregame analysis.
Rangers vs. Panthers
The last time the Rangers played a game was on February 1st when they faced the Florida Panthers. The Rangers defeated the Panthers 5-2, beating one of the best teams in the NHL before the break.
Mika Zibanejad kicked things off early by scoring his 18th goal of the season only 35 seconds into the first period. Anthony Duclair (19) tied it up with assists by Jonathan Huberdeau (47) and Aleksander Barkov (18).
Sam Reinhart (16) made it 2-1 Panthers early in the second period on a PPG. The goal was assisted by Barkov (19) and Aaron Ekblad (31). Shortly after that, Alexis Lafreniere (10) tied it 2-2, assisted by Kreider (14). Late in the period, Kreider (32) gave the Rangers the lead scoring a PPG. Ryan Strome (25) and Artemi Panarin (38) assisted on the play.
The Rangers added to their lead when Kreider (33) scored his second goal of the night, again on the PP. Zibanejad (31) and Panarin (39) assisted. Panarin (13) added more fuel to the fire scoring a PPG with only 41 seconds left in the third.
Rangers vs. Bruins
The last time the Rangers and Bruins faced each other was November 26, 2021 for the NHL Thanksgiving Showdown. The Rangers defeated the Bruins 5-2.
Image Courtesy of Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The scoring went back-and-forth between the Bruins and the Rangers, but then the third period started and the Rangers took control. Three goals were scored by the Rangers in the third, while none were scored by the Bruins. This was the difference in the game, although it wasn’t as if the Bruins didn’t play good. They had more shots on goal (36) than the Rangers (31), but Igor Shesterkin did his thing and helped the Rangers to victory.
The Rangers hope that their good gameplay continues and that the long break didn’t stop their momentum.
Since the Rangers and Bruins face each other once again, there are a few players to look out for. David Pastrnak has five points in his last five games, four of them are goals. Taylor Hall has three assists, while Matt Grzelcyk is +1.
The Bruins have to watch out for players like Panarin, who has nine points in his last five games, seven of them are assists. Kreider also has four goals, while Zibanejad is +3.
All these players can make a difference in the game, so each team needs to keep an out.
What to Expect
It is hard to say what the Rangers will do since they had two weeks off. The Rangers may take their win against the Panthers and keep things going. The Bruins can do the same thing since they won Saturday, beating the Ottawa Senators 2-0. The only difference is that the Bruins have played some games.
It could be a good thing for the Rangers having that rest, while the Bruins have been playing. The Rangers shouldn’t be tired entering their game against the Bruins. Plus, Boston has had their ups and downs, losing their last two before that win against the Senators. It really could go any way.
The Rangers are at home against the Bruins Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET. It will be the first time in two weeks the Rangers face an opponent and the first time in over two months they faced the Bruins. The only question remaining is who is going to win this original six matchup?
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