by Rod Pearson
Wednesday, Mar 20, 2024
Game Time: 7:00 pm ET, Thursday, March 21, 2024
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Moneyline: Rangers +114, Bruins -135; Over/Under: 5.5 goals
Bet365: Moneyline: Rangers +115, Bruins -135; Over/Under: 5.5 goals
BetMGM: Moneyline: Rangers +115, Bruins -135; Over/Under: 5.5 goals
Season Record
New York Rangers: 45-20-4 (1st place, Metropolitan Division)
Boston Bruins: 41-14-15 (1st place, Atlantic Division)
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Recent Form
New York Rangers: 6-3-1 last 10
Boston Bruins: 7-2-1 last 10
New York Rangers vs Boston Bruins Preview and Analysis
The Rangers are entering this game with 94 points, a 45-20-4 record overall, and they are 21-11-4 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a loss against the Winnipeg Jets in their last game, losing that one at home 4-2. Alexis Lafrenière and Alex Wennberg each scored 1 goal for them in that game. Alexis Lafrenière, Adam Fox, Jack Roslovic, and Vincent Trocheck each led the team in assists with 1 while Alexis Lafrenière led the team in shots on net in that game with 7. Igor Shesterkin was the starting goalie in that game and he allowed 3 goals on 26 shots with 23 saves and a .885 save percentage. Their offense has scored 231 goals this season averaging 3.3 goals per game and their defense has allowed their opponents to score 189 goals against them allowing 2.7 goals per game.
The Bruins are entering this game with 97 points, a 41-14-15 record overall, and they are 23-8-6 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a win against the Ottawa Senators in their last game, winning that one at home 6-2. David Pastrňák recorded a hattrick as he led the team in goals scored with 3, Justin Brazeau scored 2 goals while Jesper Boqvist scored 1 goal for them in that game. Kevin Shattenkirk led the team in assists with 3 while David Pastrňák led the team in shots on net in that game with 7. Linus Ullmark was the starting goalie in that game and he allowed 2 goals on 32 shots with 30 saves and a .938 sv percentage. Their offense has scored 237 goals this season averaging 3.4 goals per game and their defense has allowed their opponents to score 192 goals against them allowing 2.7 goals per game.
Rangers vs Bruins Prediction
The current betting odds have the Bruins listed as a favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Bruins have looked really good in their games this season with their 41-14-15 record overall which has them leading their division in the East with one of the best records in the entire NHL. They have been trailing the Panthers in the standings for the last few weeks but now they have been getting hot again and have retaken the lead with 3 points on the Panthers. The Panthers do have 2 games in hand of the Bruins though, so the Bruins will be looking to keep the lead in their division with another win, especially since they have looked so good on home ice this year. They have a 23-8-6 home record this season and have been one of the best home teams in the NHL going back to last season too. Meanwhile, the Rangers have also looked really good in their games this season with their 45-20-4 record overall which has them leading their division in the East right now. They have looked good in their road games this year with their 21-11-4 road record, but they haven't been at their best in those games and they do have the pressure of the Hurricanes being right on their tail in the standings. Both of these teams have been hot lately but the Bruins are the slightly hotter team right now with the Rangers going 6-3-1 in their last 10 games while the Bruins are 7-2-1. The Rangers are also coming off a loss in their last one while the Bruins have a lot more momentum on their side with 3 wins in a row. The best way to place a bet here is on the Bruins to win this game.
Rangers Bruins Prediction: Our NHL Pick for Thursday, March 21, 2024 (7:00 pm ET start time) is Bruins 3 Rangers 2.
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NHL Betting Trends
New York Rangers: 44-24 (+7 units) on the moneyline in all games. 6-0 (+6.6 units) on the moneyline in a road game where the total is 5.5. 11-3 (+7.2 units) on the moneyline after playing 2 consecutive home games. 30-14 UNDER in a road game where the total is 5.5. 11-3 UNDER after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game. 26-15 UNDER off a home loss.
Boston Bruins: 41-29 (-6.4 units) on the moneyline in all games. 7-6 (-5.1 units) on the moneyline in a home game where the total is 5.5. 1-4 (-7 units) on the moneyline after a blowout win by 4 goals or more. 144-95 UNDER after scoring 4 goals or more in 2 straight games.
Key Injuries
New York Rangers: J. Trouba (D) Early April - Lower Body. R. Lindgren (D) Early April - Lower Body. B. Wheeler (RW) out for season - Lower Body. F. Chytil (C) out for season - Upper Body.
Boston Bruins: P. Maroon (LW) Out indefinitely - Back. D. Forbort (D) Out indefinitely - Undisclosed. M. Poitras (C) out for season - Shoulder. M. Lucic (LW) out for season - Ankle.
Notable Quotes
“I thought our guys were working. Just a tough game." - Peter Laviolette after his team’s loss against the Jets in their game on Tuesday.
“We made sure we were going to keep playing on our toes and extend the lead and don’t sit back. I think we just did that. The first five minutes set the tempo for the rest of the period.” - David Pastrnak after their win against the Senators in their game on Tuesday.
Starting Lineups
New York Rangers
LW Panarin, Artemi
C Trocheck, Vincent
RW Lafrenière, Alexis
LD Miller, K'Andre
RD Fox, Adam
G Shesterkin, Igor
Boston Bruins
LW Marchand, Brad
C Coyle, Charlie
RW DeBrusk, Jake
LD Grzelcyk, Matt
RD McAvoy, Charlie
G Ullmark, Linus
Statistical Leaders
New York Rangers
Points: A. Panarin (94)
Goals: A. Panarin (38)
Assists: A. Panarin (56)
GAA: J. Quick (2.46)
Boston Bruins
Points: D. Pastrnak (99)
Goals: D. Pastrnak (44)
Assists: D. Pastrnak (55)
GAA: J. Swayman (2.56)
Coaches:
New York Rangers: Peter Laviolette (1st season)
Boston Bruins: Jim Montgomery (2nd season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
