Scoreboard	1	2	3	OT	Odds
Boston Bruins 32-20-2-3	1	2	0	0	+4.5
New York Rangers 22-29-6	2	0	1	1	-125

Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers Prediction, NHL Odds

A new week in the NHL kicks off with an action-packed, five-game slate tonight, including an Eastern Conference showdown between the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. These Original Six teams have met twice so far, splitting those two games.

Both games this season between the two have been extremely dramatic in blowout wins, but how will the third and final meeting of the season shape up?

Bruins vs. Rangers NHL Betting Odds

The Bruins have been incredible on the puckline this season, as their 34-18 record is third-best in the league. Meanwhile, the Rangers have gone 25-27, and are 6-16 on the puckline at home this season.

The moneyline NHL odds show this as a near coin-flip game, with Boston at (-115) and New York at (-105). I see these odds a bit too heavy in New York’s favour, as they are 2-8 in their last 10 games, as opposed to the Bruins, who are 8-2.

In the game total markets, Boston is 29-22-1 to the over this season, while New York is 21-29-2. A key player who could dictate the total in this one is Bruins forward Morgan Geekie (+170 to score), who has three goals and two assists in his last three games. For the Rangers, keep an eye on their leading goal scorer, Mika Zibanejad (+170 to score), as he’s failed to light the lamp since his hat trick just nine days ago.

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins (30-20-2) continue to prove themselves in what has been a surprising season. The core of the Bruins has majorly changed over the past couple of seasons, but their threatening aura has remained the same, and winning 10 of their last 12 games proves that. They are on the road in this one, but they have not had to travel much since last week.

Boston comes into this matchup with a ton of momentum and an elite offence that should drive them to victory. New York’s sixth-worst offence (2.63 goals per game) will not stand a chance against the NHL’s ninth-best offence (3.21 goals per game) and third-best power play of 27.6 per cent. After an awkward fall in his last game, defenceman Nikita Zadorov is currently questionable to play. Other than that, this team is fully healthy and energized, and will be all hands on deck to earn their third-straight win.

New York Rangers

The New York Rangers (21-25-6) are getting to a point where they really need to decide the direction of the team. They currently sit last in the Eastern Conference, and while there are still 30 games left in the season, I don’t expect a major turnaround. The Rangers have shown absolutely no signs of life lately, and it may even be time for them to rip the band-aid off and begin selling assets. They have lost three straight games and have been abysmal overall at 3-9-3 in their last 15 games. This includes a pathetic 10-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on January 10. This is a defeat they won’t forget, but any added revenge-seeking will not be enough for them to win.

Part of this disappointment has been due to the absence of key stars Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin. These are major driving pieces to their team, and their current injuries have diminished New York’s firepower and stability. This red-hot and electric Bruins team will pose major challenges for a Rangers team that’s desperate for answers.

NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Bruins vs. Rangers?

New York was absolutely humiliated by Boston just over two weeks ago, and while they likely won’t lose by eight goals again, I expect a similar outcome. Boston’s excellent offence should pose a major issue for New York’s 12th-worst defence and sixth-worst offence. Claiming Madison Square Garden and the New York Rangers aren’t always a sure thing, but Boston could make it look that way in a 4-1 victory.