New York Rangers vs Boston Bruins Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Rangers Trying to Solve Problems as Bruins Come to Town

The New York Rangers are facing a slew of challenges, both on the ice and in the locker room, as they prepare to host the Boston Bruins on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. With a losing streak mounting and star goaltender Igor Shesterkin sidelined, the Rangers are in desperate need of answers against a Boston team looking to rebound from a rare defeat.

Rangers in Crisis Mode

The Rangers (14-20-2) have spiraled downward since mid-November, with a 4-15-0 record over their past 19 games. Their latest setback, a 5-3 loss to the Florida Panthers on Monday, also cost them Shesterkin, who was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.

Shesterkin’s absence leaves veteran Jonathan Quick as the starter, backed up by Louis Domingue. Quick, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, will need to provide stability for a team that has allowed 19 goals during its current four-game losing streak.

“It’s hard to be happy with how we’re playing when we’re still losing,” said forward Artemi Panarin. “We need to finish games stronger and start turning good hockey into wins.”

Despite flashes of offensive prowess, such as Filip Chytil, Ryan Lindgren, and Chris Kreider all scoring against Florida, the Rangers have struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.

Bruins Seek Consistency

The Bruins (24-10-4) are in a far better position but have encountered some turbulence of their own since Joe Sacco took over as head coach in November. Boston is 12-6-1 under Sacco and is 5-2-1 in its last eight games.

Boston fell 3-1 to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday despite an early goal by Justin Brazeau. The Bruins were held back by inefficiency, with only 27 of their 83 shot attempts finding the net.

“We need to execute better,” Sacco said. “It starts with how we enter the zone, and then we need more net-front presence to capitalize on our chances.”

Star forward David Pastrnak, who missed time recently with an upper-body injury, has gone without a goal in five of his past six games. His return to form is critical for a team that thrives on his offensive production.

Key Players to Watch

New York Rangers

• Jonathan Quick: With Shesterkin out, Quick will be under pressure to stabilize the Rangers’ defense.
• Artemi Panarin: The team’s top playmaker must find a way to spark the Rangers’ struggling offense.
• Chris Kreider: Kreider’s power-play goal against Florida was a bright spot, and he’ll be leaned on again.

Boston Bruins

• David Pastrnak: The Bruins’ leading scorer needs to rediscover his scoring touch to break through New York’s defense.
• Brad Marchand: A veteran presence who can create chaos and opportunities in tight games.
• Linus Ullmark: Likely to start in goal, Ullmark will need to maintain his form against a desperate Rangers squad.

Who’s taking the top spot? Dive into NHL Metropolitan Division Odds & Predictions!

What’s at Stake

For the Rangers, the game is an opportunity to halt a season-worst skid and rebuild confidence in Shesterkin’s absence. For the Bruins, a win would provide further separation in the Atlantic Division standings and show they can bounce back from tough losses.