Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers Betting Preview: Bruins Are the Pick
Game Overview
The Boston Bruins (20-15-4) travel to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Rangers (16-19-1) in an Eastern Conference matchup on January 2, 2025. The Bruins enter the game as -120 moneyline favorites and will look to rebound from a loss to Washington in their last outing. Meanwhile, the Rangers are desperate to snap a four-game losing streak and improve their disappointing 7-9-1 home record.
Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Total | Puck Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Bruins | -120 | Over 5.5 (-125) | -1.5 (+200) |
| New York Rangers | +100 | Under 5.5 (+105) | +1.5 (-275) |
The Bruins are slight favorites in this matchup, with the total set at 5.5 goals. Their recent form and goaltending edge give them an advantage against a struggling Rangers team.
Team Analysis
Boston Bruins
The Bruins have been inconsistent this season, currently sitting third in the Atlantic Division with a 20-15-4 record. Their offense averages 2.62 goals per game, while their defense allows 3.03 goals per game. Forward David Pastrnak leads the team with 37 points (13 goals, 24 assists), while Brad Marchand has chipped in with 15 goals, including two on the power play.
Boston’s goaltending has been solid, with Jeremy Swayman posting a 13-11-3 record, a 2.90 goals-against average (GAA), and a .891 save percentage. Their penalty kill, however, needs improvement, sitting at just 75.6% efficiency.
New York Rangers
The Rangers have struggled mightily this season, particularly during their current four-game losing streak. They rank near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division with a 16-19-1 record. Artemi Panarin has been a bright spot, leading the team with 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists), while defenseman Adam Fox has contributed 27 assists.
Goaltending has been an issue for New York, with starter Igor Shesterkin sidelined on injured reserve. Backup Jonathan Quick has been serviceable, with a 2.69 GAA and a .907 save percentage, but the team has struggled to protect him, allowing 3.14 goals per game. Their penalty kill, however, has been strong at 84.7% efficiency.
Recent Performance
Boston Bruins
- 12/31/24: Lost to Washington 3-1
- 12/28/24: Defeated Columbus 4-0
- 12/27/24: Lost to Columbus 6-2
- 12/23/24: Defeated Washington 4-1
- 12/21/24: Defeated Buffalo 3-1
New York Rangers
- 12/30/24: Lost to Florida 5-3
- 12/28/24: Lost to Tampa Bay 6-2
- 12/23/24: Lost to New Jersey 5-0
- 12/22/24: Lost to Carolina 3-1
- 12/20/24: Defeated Dallas 3-1
Head-to-Head Matchup
This is the first meeting of the season between the Bruins and Rangers. Boston has had the upper hand in recent years, winning three of the last five matchups. The Rangers’ inability to contain elite scorers like Pastrnak and Marchand has been a recurring issue in this series.
Betting Trends
- The Bruins are 4-2 in their last six games as road favorites.
- The Rangers are 1-4 in their last five games overall.
- The under has hit in five of Boston’s last six road games.
- The over is 3-1 in the Rangers’ last four home games.
Prediction
Despite their recent inconsistency, the Bruins are the more complete team and should capitalize on the Rangers’ poor form and injury woes. Boston’s offensive firepower, led by Pastrnak and Marchand, should be enough to secure a win, even on the road.
