Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers Prediction, 1/2/2025 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers

Date: Thursday, January 2, 2025

Location: Madison Square Garden in New York, NY

TV: MSG+

Odds/Point Spread: Bruins (-128) Rangers (+106)

Madison Square Garden is where the New York Rangers (16-18-1) will compete against the Boston Bruins (20-14-4) on Thursday. The odds on this game have the Bruins at -128 while the Rangers are coming in at +106. The total comes in at 6.5.

The Boston Bruins were on the right side of the scoreboard with a 4-0 victory against the Blue Jackets in their previous contest . The Bruins had a good offensive outing in the victory. In the game, they scored on 4 of the 28 shots they tried. They also had 2 opportunities with more players on the ice but weren't able to score a goal. Boston accumulated 16 mins in the box in this game.

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In relation to their scoring, the Boston Bruins have racked up 101 goals (24th in the National Hockey League) so far this year and have allowed 115. For the current season, they have tallied 44 points and their points % is .579. Boston comes into tonight with 129 power play chances and they have scored 17 goals during those chances, giving them a percentage of 13.18%. While at even strength, the Bruins have allowed 85 goals while scoring 84 on offense. Boston has taken 1,051 shots and holds a shot percentage of 9.6%. The Bruins so far have had 1,014 shots taken against them and have a save percentage of .887. Boston Bruins opponents have totaled 125 power play opportunities (4th in professional hockey) and have scored 30 goals in those attempts.

The player between the pipes for this game is Jeremy Swayman. Swayman has participated in 158 games throughout his NHL career. He has compiled an overall record of 92-43-18 and he has gotten the start in 151 games. Opponents have been able to score 370 goals against Swayman in his pro career and his average for goals against per game is 2.91. Swayman has had 4,305 shot attempts against him and has recorded 3,935 saves. His save percentage currently is .914 during his 7,634 mins in the crease. Over the course of his career, Swayman has recorded 94 quality starts and his percentage for quality starts is .623.

When they were on the ice last, New York faced the Lightning in an outing where the Rangers ended up taking the loss by a tally of 6-2. The Rangers recorded 2 goals of the 44 shots on goal they were seeking. They had 4 power play opportunities in this one but weren't able to score a goal.

New York has attempted 1,046 shots (18th in hockey) and has accumulated a shot percentage of 9.37%, while allowing their opponents 1,111 shots. They have earned a penalty kill percentage of 84.21% on their oppositions 114 power play opportunities, and their save percentage currently comes in at 90.3%. They have earned 95 power play opportunities and they have accumulated a power play rate of 17.89%. The Rangers are sitting with 81 goals at even strength and 17 goals (25th in the league) while having more men on the ice. They have allowed 108 goals to be scored by way of 90 goals at even strength and 18 goals while they were shorthanded. Over the course of the season, the New York Rangers have accumulated 98 goals, 33 points, in addition to a points percentage of .471.

Across the ice you are likely to see Igor Shesterkin in goal. His opponents are averaging 2.77 goals per game and he has allowed 577 goals altogether. Shesterkin's quality start rate is 64.5% and he has qualified for 151 quality starts in his professional career. He has been a starter 234 games and has played for a total of 12,487 mins. Shesterkin is the owner of a career mark of 146-73-18 and has participated in 239 games. He is sitting with 6,585 saves out of the 7,162 shots taken against him, which gives him a save % of .919.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take Boston (-128)

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