Bruins vs. Rangers Game Preview: Dec. 16, 2023
After a win over the Islanders, the Bruins are looking to get another W against the Rangers.
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Welcome to THW Boston Bruins Game Preview, where we discuss every upcoming Bruins game. Before each contest, we will look at the Bruins’ projected lineups, notes, and predictions.
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Now, let’s get this preview started!
The Bruins (19-5-4) are going up against the New York Rangers (20-7-1) tonight. The Bruins secured a 5-4 shootout win over the New York Islanders last night and are looking to get another against the Blueshirts.
The Rangers, on the other hand, defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-1 last night and are looking to keep this momentum going. When noting that the Rangers are just one point behind the Bruins for the Eastern Conference lead in the standings, this is going to be a very tough and hard-fought matchup
Let’s now take a look at the Bruins’ projected lineup, game notes, and predictions.
Bruins’ Projected Lines & Defense Pairings
Danton Heinen - Morgan Geekie - David Pastrnak
Brad Marchand - Charlie Coyle - Jake DeBrusk
James van Riemsdyk - Matthew Poitras - Trent Frederic
Jakub Lauko - John Beecher - Oskar Steen
Hampus Lindholm - Kevin Shattenkirk
Matt Grzelcyk - Brandon Carlo
Mason Lohrei - Parker Wotherspoon
Jeremy Swayman
Poitras Back In
After being scratched for last night’s game against the Islanders, Poitas is expected to return tonight, likely as the club’s third-line center. Jim Mongomery explained that his scratch last game was planned, as they are managing his workload.
Poitras will be looking to make an impact after being scratched for the second time in four games.
Swayman Between the Pipes
After running with Ullmark against the Islanders, Swayman is expected to get the start. After saving 33 out of 35 shots in an overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils, he will be looking to keep his excellent play up. He has had a .943 SV% or better in each of his last three starts.
Predictions
With Poitras getting back into the lineup, I predict that he will get on the scoresheet tonight.
Shattenkirk has three points over his last three games. He has been playing his best hockey offensively this season as of late, and I think he will have a multi-point night tonight because of it.
As for a final score prediction, I think that the Bruins will take this one by a 4-3 final score.