The Rundown:

Winners of six straight, the Bruins look to continue to assert their league wide dominance as they head into Madison Square Garden tonight. Meanwhile the Rangers look to defend their three game win streak at home tonight, after having a rough start to the season. The Bruins will face their hardest goaltending test of the season as they face the Vezina trophy winner Igor Shesterkin. The Rangers who live off of their power play will face an even harder task taking on the league’s best penalty kill. Two teams at the front of their divisions looking to partake in a noteworthy matchup. 

The Matchup

Last season, these two squads matched up fairly evenly with each team taking a regulation win against each other. But it was the Rangers that came out on top in the series with a 2-1 shootout win against the Bruins in late February. The goal scoring was evenly matched up, as both teams scored a total of 14 goals. The Rangers scored eight and Boston scored six. Both teams have revamped their rosters and have looked like true playoff contenders. But Boston clearly has the edge with how dominant they have been to start the year.

Players To Watch

For the Bruins, Hampus Lindholm is the player to watch. Lindholm spearheaded the Bruins comeback in their last matchup against Pittsburgh. Lindholm was the first star of the game scoring four points and the game winning goal in overtime for the Bruins. With seven points in his last four games, Lindholm has been a key piece to Boston’s blueline, especially with Charlie McAvoy still out of the lineup. His offensive impact from the defensive end adds an extra layer of firepower to an already elite offensive squad. 

For the Rangers, Mika Zibanejad is the player to watch. Coming off a career year, Zibanejad is easily the Rangers’ best player. After scoring 81 points in 81 games last year, Zibanejad picked up right where he left off and has 13 points through 11 games. Now with four points in the last three games (two goals and two assists), his efforts are pushing the Rangers back as one of the top teams in the Metro Division. His dynamic offensive capabilities matched up with his insane hockey IQ makes him one of the most dangerous forwards on any given night.