Bruins vs Rangers 3/11/21: Looking to get back on track, lineups, and more

The Boston Bruins look to get back on track against the New York Rangers after dropping their last two games to the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils. This will be the fifth matchup between these two teams this season with the B’s holding a 3-1 lead through the first four games.

Going into tonight the Black and Gold have lost their last two games, obtaining just one of four possible points. On Sunday they were shutout 1-0 by the New Jersey Devils and on Tuesday they were downed in a shootout by a score of 2-1 against the New York Islanders. Boston is just 3-5-2 in their last 10.

The Rangers are also on a two-game losing streak, dropping their last two games against the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1 and 4-2. However, unlike the B’s, the Rangers have been playing overall decently through their last 10 with a 6-4-0 record.

Both teams will most likely be coming out strong as they’re both looking to get back in the win column. Boston will be looking to get closer to their former spot of first place in the East and the Rangers will be looking to get back to climbing the standings of the East and get to that last playoff spot.

Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers projected lineups.

Boston Bruins
Record: 13-6-4 (31 points)

With their inability to score over the last two games, the B’s have decided to shake things up a bit in regard to their forwards group.

After being a healthy scratch last game, winger Jake DeBrusk will be back in the lineup tonight playing on David Krejci’s right wing on the second line. The healthy scratches tonight will be wingers Anders Bjork and Chris Wagner.

With DeBrusk back at second line right wing, Jack Studnicka moves back to fourth line center with Sean Kuraly moving over to left wing. In Wagner’s spot will be Zach Senyshyn, who has earned a call up with his strong play and production of five goals and four assists for nine points in 11 games.

The B’s defense will remain the same with John Moore and Steve Kampfer being healthy scratches. Brandon Carlo, Kevan Miller, and Jeremy Lauzon remain out with injuries.

Jaroslav Halak will get his second straight start as Tuukka Rask’s back issue has lingered. He’ll get a second straight game off and Dan Vladar will once again back up Halak.

Expect the Bruins to line up like this tonight:

Marchand – Bergeron – Pastrnak
Ritchie – Krejci – DeBrusk
Frederic – Coyle – Smith
Kuraly – Studnicka – Senyshyn

Grzelcyk – McAvoy
Zboril – Clifton
Tinordi – Vaakanainen

Halak (Vladar)

New York Rangers
Record: 10-11-3 (23 points)

The Rangers are almost back to 100% healthy after dealing with some COVID-19 related issues. Right wing Kaapo Kakko (COVID-19) and center Filip Chytil (upper-body injury) have returned for the Blue Shirts.

While winger Artemi Panarin isn’t expected to play tonight, he returned to practice yesterday after taking leave of absence due to a personal matter.

Goaltender Igor Shesterkin will most likely miss tonight’s game as he continues to recover from a groin injury. Alexandar Georgiev will most likely be in net for the Rangers with Keith Kinkaid backing him up.

Expect the Rangers to line up like this tonight:

Lafreniere – Zibanejad – Buchnevich
Kreider – Strome – Kakko
Rooney – Chytil – Gauthier
Di Giuseppe – Howden – Blackwell

Lindgren – Fox
Miller – Trouba
Johnson – Smith

Georgiev (Kinkaid)

Where and when to watch Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers.

Time: 7 PM EST

Location: TD Garden

TV Broadcast: NESN, MSG 2, ESPN+, TVAS

Radio Broadcast: 98.5 The Sports Hub

As I said earlier, both teams tonight are looking to end losing streaks. This should be an exciting, physical game, and with Senyshyn making his season debut for the B’s, Boston fans will have one more thing to pay attention to.