Rangers look to rebound with fans in attendance, face tough task against Bruins

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chris drury toughness
Feb 12, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (55) and New York Rangers right wing Pavel Buchnevich (89) fight in the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Elsa/Pool Photos-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers vs Bruins: The Blueshirts were done in by too many penalties in their 4-3 loss against the Flyers. However, there was more scoring from their top six, as Chris Kreider scored a hat trick and Mika Zibanejad had two assists. They face a Bruins team with key injuries on defense who played last night against the Islanders.

Rangers: 6-8-3 (15 pts)
Bruins: 11-4-2 (24 pts)

The Rangers will not skate today. David Quinn will speak to the media around 11:30 am.

Rangers vs Bruins: Alexandar Georgiev gets the start

Alexandar Georgiev will get the nod in this contest for the Blueshirts. In his last three starts he’s earned at least a point (1-0-2). The 24 year-old has proven to be a perfect backup and battles hard every game.

rangers vs bruins
Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

He will be playing on four days rest, and per NYR PR he is 15-3-5 over his last 23 starts with at least that much time off. Georgiev’s numbers during those starts are stellar with a 2.45 GAA, a .925 SV%, and 2 SO.

Filip Chytil back at practice – not expected to play

The Rangers games lost to man-power is mounting. Both K’Andre Miller and Kaapo Kakko are on the NHL’s COVID list with no timetable yet to return. Jacob Trouba is out long term with a broken thumb and Artemi Panarin is on leave.

Filip Chytil made an appearance at practice yesterday but is doubtful for tonight. David Quinn would like to see him practice more. Tonight also marks the first time fans are allowed in the building and even if it is just 2000 people it will give the Blueshirts a lift.

INJURIES (41 Man-Games Lost to Injury)

  • Filip Chytil (upper-body; 4-6 weeks from time of injury on Jan. 24) – has missed 12 games
  • Jacob Trouba (upper-body; 4-6 weeks from time of injury on Feb. 16) – has missed three games
  • Kaapo Kakko (COVID protocol) – has missed two games
  • K’Andre Miller (COVID protocol) – has missed one game

Pre Game Notes

  • All-Time vs Bruins: 259-294-97-4 (149-125-55-1 at home; 110-169-42-3 on the road)
  • Mika Zibanejad – 31 GP, 12-5-17 – Zibanejad’s 12 goals against the Bruins are tied for the most he has registered against one opponent in his NHL career.
  • Pavel Buchnevich – 12 GP, 5-4-9 – Buchnevich has tallied a point in four of the last seven games against Boston (two goals, three assists).
  • New York ranks fifth in the NHL in penalties drawn this season (83) and leads the NHL in penalties drawn per 60 minutes in 2020-21 (4.81).
  • Adam Fox and Mika Zibanejad are the only two NHL players who are averaging at least 4:20 of power play ice time per game and at least 2:20 of shorthanded ice time per game this season.
  • Ryan Lindgren has played in 82 career games with the Rangers, and the Blueshirts have posted a 43-31-8 record in those 82 games. He leads the Rangers in shorthanded ice time this season (50:07) and has been on the ice for only two power play goals against; he has logged 15:00 of shorthanded ice time over the last three games and has not been on the ice for a power play goal against over the span. Lindgren has not been on the ice for a power play goal against in each of the last 13 games.
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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