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Rangers vs. Bruins: Our betting preview for matchup between the NHL's best on Saturday

albert bainbridge iv, northjersey.com
·3 min read

It's a battle of the NHL's best as the New York Rangers (19-7-1, 1st in Metropolitan) travel to Boston to take on the Bruins (18-5-4, 1st in Atlantic) at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The Rangers and Bruins are the top two teams in the Eastern Conference as they're the only two franchises with 18+ wins through the first 27 games.

This is the second of three meetings in this original six rivalry. The Rangers took the first matchup in a 7-4 high-scoring affair nearly three weeks ago at Madison Square Garden.

Both teams will be on the second night of a back-to-back as the Rangers hosted the Ducks at MSG on Friday night, while the Bruins took the quick trip to Long Island to face the Islanders.

After Saturday's game, these two teams don't meet again until March 21.

Here's my advice on how you should wager on this matchup between two of the best teams in the NHL right now.

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NY Rangers vs. Bruins puck line: Rangers +1.5 (-230)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 25: Danton Heinen #43 of the Boston Bruins is called for goaltender interference during the second period against Jacob Trouba #8 and the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on November 25, 2023 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 25: Danton Heinen #43 of the Boston Bruins is called for goaltender interference during the second period against Jacob Trouba #8 and the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on November 25, 2023 in New York City.

With the Rangers being +1.5 on the puck line, I'd bet on them in this one. The Blueshirts have dropped three of their last four games for the first time this season and have been outscored 18-9 over that stretch.

The Rangers are 12-15 on the puck line, or better known as against the spread (ATS) in the 2023-24 season.

The Bruins are one of the best teams at covering (16-11) but have covered the -1.5 puck line just four times in their previous 10 games.

Even if they can't get the job done, the Rangers are due for a close game. They've only had one loss this year decided by a single goal.

This a heavy line heavily leaning toward the Blueshirts, but I'd bet on them to cover and lose by two or fewer goals.

DraftKings Sportsbook has the best available price of -230 (Bet $230 to win $100) on the puck line.

Prediction: Rangers +1.5 (-230)

NY Rangers vs. Bruins total: Over/Under 5.5 goals (-125)

Nov. 25: New York Rangers goalie Jonathan Quick (32) makes a save against Boston Bruins center Matthew Poitras (51). The Rangers won and tie the Bruins for most points in the Eastern Conference.
Nov. 25: New York Rangers goalie Jonathan Quick (32) makes a save against Boston Bruins center Matthew Poitras (51). The Rangers won and tie the Bruins for most points in the Eastern Conference.

The first matchup featured an 11-goal outburst that started with five combined goals in the first period.

Despite each of these teams ranking in the Top-10 in the NHL in goals against this season, they both are great at lighting the lamp as the Rangers and Bruins are in the top half of the league in goals per game.

The Blueshirts own the league's second-best power play at 30.5 percent and are 5-for-15 (33.3 percent) in their prior five games on the man advantage.

This will also depend on who started Friday night for the Rangers. Bruins starter Linus Ullmark went last night, meaning Jeremy Swayman will all but get the start in this one.

I don't think we're in store for another 11+ goal affair but ultimately we see this total go over the low total of 5.5 line with top-tier talent all over the ice on Saturday night.

BetMGM has a total of 5.5 goals at the lowest available price at -125 (Bet $125 to win $100).

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NY Rangers vs. Bruins moneyline: Bruins (-118)

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott (33) deflects a shot by Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) during the third period at TD Garden in Boston on Dec. 9, 2023.
Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott (33) deflects a shot by Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) during the third period at TD Garden in Boston on Dec. 9, 2023.

Even with 26 teams in action Saturday, the must-watch game has to be in Beantown with two teams at the top of their divisions squaring off.

The Rangers broke their four-game losing streak versus the Bruins with the victory last month. However, the Blueshirts have not won in TD Garden since Nov. 26, 2021.

I think this will be closer than the first contest, but the Rangers will come up just short.

If you're planning on backing the Rangers, they're at a solid price of +105 (Bet $100 to net $105) on DraftKings Sportsbook as a road underdog in Boston.

Prediction: Bruins 4, Rangers 3

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Rangers vs. Bruins odds, picks and predictions for Saturday game