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Boston Bruins: 3 Keys to a Second Victory Over the Rangers

By Scott Roche

Feb 10, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Charlie McAvoy #73 of the Boston Bruins checks Ryan Lindgren #55 of the New York Rangers against the boards during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Charlie McAvoy #73 of the Boston Bruins checks Ryan Lindgren #55 of the New York Rangers against the boards during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 26, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins right wing Craig Smith (12) reacts after scoring the game-winning goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during an overtime period at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins right wing Craig Smith (12) reacts after scoring the game-winning goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during an overtime period at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /

Get middle-six production.

The Bruins’ first line of Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pastrnak failed to register a point in regulation, but goals from Chris Wagner and Jake DeBrusk helped Boston get to overtime before Marchand won the game.

Secondary scoring has been an issue with the Black and Gold over the years. Craig Smith was brought in this season as a free agent to help with that, but he has just three goals in 11 games. At this point, the Bruins will take scoring from anyone that is not on the top line, and eventually someone will need to step up. Maybe someone will tonight.

Win the special teams battle.

The Rangers have struggled to put the puck in the net this season and Rask frustrated them Wednesday night. The Bruins penalty kill has been very good all season and will need to be again tonight. A team struggling to score will look to their power play and Boston can’t let the Rangers get confidence on the man advantage.

The Bruins power play has been producing before going 0-for-2 Wednesday. Coach Bruce Cassidy went with the five forward grouping in the first period, before back to their traditional four forward, one defenseman grouping with Matt Grzelcyk at the point. The Bruins’ second power play was much better than their first as Pastrnak had the best opportunity and hit the post.

Related Story. Bruins at NYR: Rematch, preview, lineup, and more. light

The Rangers have killed 16 straight penalties, but with the firepower the Bruins have, taking advantage of their power play chances and putting a couple in the net would be beneficial in heading to Long Island to play the Islanders Saturday night with two points.

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