Read the latest betting pick and predictions for tonight's matchup between the Boston Bruins (20-15-4) and New York Rangers (16-19-1), courtesy of our friends at Daily Faceoff.
The New York Rangers have placed star goaltender Igor Shesterkin on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next three games. Head coach Peter Laviolette has not provided details about Shesterkin's mysterious injury, and it remains unclear when the injury occurred.
In Shesterkin's absence, the Rangers will rely on veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick.
Quick has been solid overall for New York, posting a 23-10-2 record since joining the team at the start of the 2023-24 season. This season, however, he is 5-4 straight up and has just one win in his last five starts.
According to the hockey analytics site Evolving Hockey, Shesterkin ranks third in goals saved above expected, while Quick ranks 36th—a clear downgrade for the Rangers.
Since Dec. 1, New York ranks 28th in goals against and 32nd in goals scored, giving them the second-worst goal differential in the league during that time. However, Quick has won both of his starts against the Boston Bruins since joining the Rangers.
Meanwhile, Boston has been playing some of its best hockey this season. Offensively, the Bruins ranked 31st in goals per 60 minutes during the first two months of the season, but since Dec. 1, they rank 12th. Defensively, Boston remains middle-of-the-pack in goals against but ranks as one of the top five teams in expected goals against, per Evolving Hockey.
Boston also ranks third in expected goals percentage and 13th in goal share since Dec. 1, while New York sits 28th and 31st in those categories, respectively.
Given the skill gap and Shesterkin’s absence, the Bruins are rightly favored on the road.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the NHL on site.
Boston Bruins | -115 ML |
New York Rangers | -105 ML |
Puck Line | BOS -1.5 |
Total Goals | O/U 6.0 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Better Collective. Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.