Rangers Kreider Returns Against Surging Bruins

Rangers	NHL Rankings	Bruins
25-13-7	Record	35-5-4
9^th	NHL Standing Rank	1^st
16^th	GF/PG	1^st
3^rd	GA/PG	1^st
16^th	PP%	3^rd
13^th	PK%	1^st

Rangers are coming off a 3-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets
Jaroslav Halak won his fourth-straight game making 24 saves
Rangers were without Chris Kreider for a third straight game due to an upper-body injury. Alexis Lafreniere filled his role on both the top line and top power-play unit in Kreider’s absence, but failed to record a point in any of the three games
Kreider is slated to return to the lineup and resume his role on the top line and power-play. Kreider currently has 19 goals and has a chance to hit 40 goals this season
Ryan Carpenter was returned back to Hartford
Boston enters the game with no weaknesses and solid in every aspect of the game. Boston has lost just five times in regulation so far this season
The Bruins defeated the New York Islanders on Wednesday night by the score of 4-1
Patrice Bergeron took a puck to the face and returned to the game. Bergeron is probable for Thursday’s game against the Rangers
“I’ve never seen anyone play with more pain,” said Bruins first year head coach Jim Montgomery
Expect Boston to limit chances at even strength and clog up the neutral zone as they look to create turnovers. The Bruins enter the offensive zone with speed and really make it difficult for the opposition to counter
Rangers fell victim to Boston on November 3^rd by the score of 5-2.
Boston has won seven of eight games in January
Expect Jeremy Swayman to start or the Bruins. Swayman currently has a 10-3-3 record with a .912 save percentage
Igor Shesterkin is expected to start for the Rangers after getting a rest against Columbus
David Pastrnak leads the Bruins with 63 points including 35 goals. Pastrnak currently is fourth in scoring in the league
Brad Marchand has 41 points in 36 games after missing the start of the season
Artemi Panarin is the Rangers highest point producer with 47
Sammy Blais will be a healthy scratch for the Rangers with Kreider’s return
Julien Gauthier remains out of the lineup due to injury
Expect Lafreniere to play on a line with Filip Chytil and Jimmy Vesey