Game #19: Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers Open Thread

Another day, another matinee contest against a regional rival. After taking care of business in Philadelphia yesterday afternoon, the Blueshirts are shipping up to Boston for an Original Six matchup with the team currently sitting atop the NHL, the Boston Bruins.

Much like the 2022 offseason heading into 2022-23, summertime rumors of Boston’s demise appear to have been greatly exaggerated. In spite of former captain and future Hall of Famer Patrice Bergeron headlining a list of players no longer on the team, the Bruins have raced out to a 14-2-3 start to the season. Boston’s .816 points percentage is the best in the league, with the Rangers’ .806 mark standing as the lesser of the two figures. Boston’s 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings yesterday afternoon was only its second regulation defeat of the season, something the Rangers only needed four games to accomplish. If there is such a thing as a measuring stick game, this is it for the Blueshirts.

Player To Watch: Mika Zibanejad

After struggling to get going offensively in the early portion of the season, Zibanejad found the back of the net twice during yesterday’s victory. Much like other top goal scorers around the league, Zibanejad is a player that tends to score in bunches. Keep an eye on New York’s star center as he looks to use yesterday’s effort as a springboard to getting back on track in the 2023-24 campaign.

Enjoy the game!