Rangers face biggest test of the season tonight against Bruins

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Feb 16, 2020; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) plays the puck against Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers vs Bruins: The Blueshirts have to rebound after a tough loss to the rival Islanders by taking on the best team in the East Division. The Bruins are fully healthy and have their best players going at full tilt. Tonight will truly be a test for how good the Rangers are and if they have a chance to contend in the division.

Rangers: 4-5-2 (10 pts)
Bruins: 8-1-2 (18 pts)

The Rangers will not skate this morning, but David Quinn will address media questions around 11:30 AM.

(7:00 p.m. ET – TV: NBCSN, Radio: ESPN 98.7 FM).

Rangers vs Bruins: Alexandar Georgiev to start

Davis Quinn named Alexandar Georgiev the starter for tonight’s contest versus the Bruins. According to the coach, regardless of the outcome against the Islanders he was planning on going with him against Boston.

It should also be noted that today is Georgiev’s 25th birthday. This will be the second time he starts on his birthday. The first time he turned aside 55 of 56 shots to stymie the Toronto Maple Leafs for a win.

alexandar georgiev
Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Key Rangers to watch tonight

  • Mika Zibanejad vs Boston: (29 GP, 12-5-17) His career 12 goals against Boston is tied for the most goals against one opponent. He’s picked up 6 goals in his last six games against them. Zibanejad is also mired in a horrible slump and needs to break out in the worst way.
  • Artemi Panarin vs Boston: (13 GP, 3-9-12) The Breadman has picked up points in each of his last four games against Boston (five assists). He’s also tallied points in six of his last seven games against the Bruins (one goal, six assists).
  • Ryan Strome vs Boston: (18 GP, 3-6-9) Strome has registered an assist/point in each of the last four games against the Bruins (one goal, five assists), and he has posted a multi-point game in two of the last four contests against Boston. He’s also been one of the better Rangers with 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) in last 5 games.

Pre-Game Notes

  • All-Time vs Bruins: 259-293-97-3 (149-124-55-0 at home; 110-169-42-3 on the road)
  • The Rangers posted a 0-2-1 record against Boston last season.
  • Ryan Lindgren was selected by the Bruins in the second round (49th overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by the Rangers in the Rick Nash trade with the Bruins on Feb. 25, 2018.
  • The Blueshirts are tied for sixth in the NHL in shots on goal per game in 2020-21 (32.2) and have recorded 30 or more shots on goal in eight of the last 10 games.
  • K’Andre Miller has been on the ice for 12 of the Rangers’ 22 even strength goals this season; he has been on the ice for more even strength goals the Rangers have scored than any other player in 2020-21. Miller is tied for first among NHL rookies in plus/minus rating this season (plus-seven).
  • The Blueshirts have not allowed a power play goal in each of the last four games (15-for-15) and have killed off 18 of their opponents’ 19 power play opportunities over the last five games (94.7%).
  • New York ranks 12th in the NHL in penalty kill efficiency this season (82.1%).

Pre-Game Notes courtesy NYR

NHL Scores

Get a recap and highlights of all the NHL action yesterday here.

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By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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