NHL Game Preview: Boston Bruins at New York Rangers with Line Combinations 1/2/2025

Boston Bruins (20-15-4, 44 pts) at New York Rangers (16-19-1, 33 pts)
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Date: Thursday, January 2
Time: 7:00 pm EST

TV: ESPN+ / NESN / MSG
Radio:
Boston Bruins – The Sports Hub 98.5 FM
New York Rangers – WEPN-FM 98.7 ESPN New York

DraftKings Sportsbook Betting Lines:
Boston Bruins -1.5 ML -115
New York Rangers +1.5 ML +105
O/U 5.5

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Boston Bruins News & Notes:

The Bruins are coming off a tough 3-1 loss to the Capitals in a matinee on New Year’s Eve. Boston is 8-9-2 on the road this season and 5-4-1 in their last ten games. Penalties continue to be a problem as Boston leads the NHL with 170 total penalties committed. This is the first matchup between these two clubs this season. 

New York Rangers News & Notes:

The Rangers have lost four straight games and will try to break that streak as they welcome the Bruins to MSG on Thursday night. New York is 7-9-1 at home this season and has fallen to last place in the Metropolitan Division with a 2-8-0 record in their previous ten games.

Boston Bruins Projected Lines:

Geekie-Zacha-Pastrnak
Marchand-E. Lindholm-Coyle
Koepke-Frederic-Brazeau
Beecher-Kastelic-Wahlstrom

Zadorov-McAvoy
Wotherspoon-Carlo
Lohrei-Peeke

Swayman
Korpisalo

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New York Rangers Projected Lines:

Kreider-Zibanejad-Smith
Panarin-Trocheck-Lafreniere
Cuylle-Chytil-Berard
Edstrom-Carrick-Vesey

Lindgren-Fox
Miller-Borgen
Vaakanainen-Schneider

Quick
Domingue

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Players To Watch:

Boston Bruins

Justin Brazeau has come from nowhere as an undrafted free agent to producing in the NHL. The 6-foot-6 forward has goals in two straight games and three of his last four. The 26-year-old New Liskeard, Ontario native is tied for fourth on the Bruins with nine goals in 37 games and is tied for the team lead in powerplay goals (4) with David Pastrnak.

New York Rangers

Mika Zibanejad has struggled in December with only 4 points in 13 games. The 31-year-old is scoreless in his last eight games and is -8 in December and a team-worst -22 on the season. The 6-foot-2 pivot has struggled in Rangers losses with no goals and 4 assists in 20 games. The Rangers go as Zibanejad goes as he has 17 points (6g, 11a) in their 16 wins.

Injury Report:

Boston Bruins

D Hampus Lindholm – IR

New York Rangers

G Igor Shesterkin – IR

Next game:

Boston Bruins – January 4 at Toronto Maple Leafs
New York Rangers – January 4 at Washington Capitals

Season 4. Episode 15. Public Skate – Bruins Benders Podcast

Join the Bruins Benders Podcast as they cover the HOTTEST topics in the Boston Bruins market, along with…- Hampus Lindholm Injury Update – Should the Bruins accumulate draft picks or target young NHL players to rebuild the roster?- JT Miller and Elias Pettersson are available, are either a fit in Boston?& Much More!Bruins Benders Premium Hoodies $55https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieBruins Benders Long Sleeve Tee $40https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Bruins Benders Tee $30https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1For more from us, visit: insidetherink.com/bruins-bendersInside The RinkGet Bent Premium HoodieWho knew that the softest hoodie you'll ever own comes with such a cool design. You won't regret buying this classic streetwear piece of apparel with a convenient pouch pocket and warm hood for chilly evenings. • 100% cotton face • 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester • Front pouch pocket • Self-fabric patch on the backhttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieInside The RinkBruins Benders Long Sleeve T-ShirtEnrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or chinos to achieve a more professional look. • 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton • Heather colorshttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Inside The RinkBruins Benders T-ShirtThis t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Side-seamed construction •https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1

1. Season 4. Episode 15. Public Skate 50:19
2. Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip. 41:21
3. Season 4. Episode 13. This Is Not the Sway 01:14:21
4. Season 4. Episode 12. Going Streaking! 55:26
5. Season 4. Episode 11. Have the Bruins Turned a Corner? 01:04:20