Bruins Face Rangers at MSG as Goaltending Woes Continue Around the NHL
It’s a snowy Monday in the Northeast, and while New England fans are still buzzing about the Patriots punching their ticket to the Super Bowl, the Boston Bruins are lacing up for a different kind of battle. Tonight, they’re in New York City for the final game of their season series against the Rangers - an Original Six showdown at Madison Square Garden.
The Bruins come into the game with a 30-20-2 record and a chance to capitalize on a struggling Rangers team that hasn’t found its footing at home all season. New York is just 5-13-4 at MSG and winless at home in January (0-3-1). It’s the kind of road game Boston needs to take advantage of, especially as they look to stay sharp in a tight Atlantic Division race.
Goaltending Depth Tested Across the League
While the Bruins have been relatively steady in net this season, that hasn’t been the case across the NHL. Both the Rangers and Senators have been hit hard in the crease.
New York has been without Igor Shesterkin, their franchise netminder, due to injury - and the results have been rough. The Rangers are 1-7-1 without him, relying on veterans Jonathan Quick and Spencer Martin to hold down the fort.
There’s growing buzz that the team should take a look at Dylan Garand, the 2025 AHL All-Star who’s been turning heads in Hartford. At this point, it might be time to give the kid a shot.
In Ottawa, Linus Ullmark made his return to the bench after taking a personal leave that began on December 29. While he didn’t get the start in Sunday’s loss, just seeing him dressed and back with the team is a positive sign.
The Senators, however, continue to spiral. They’re seven points out of a playoff spot, and their penalty kill ranks 31st in the league.
Combine that with inconsistent goaltending and defensive lapses, and it’s no wonder the front office is facing some tough decisions. Do they double down on the current core, or is it time to retool?
Prospect Watch: Jordan Harris Makes AHL Debut Count
Down in Providence, the Bruins’ AHL affiliate continues to roll. The Providence Bruins sit atop the Eastern Conference standings and just wrapped up a perfect three-in-three weekend.
One of the weekend’s highlights came from Jordan Harris, who’s currently on a conditioning stint with Providence. Harris had never played an AHL game before this weekend, but he made an immediate impact, scoring his first AHL goal - an overtime winner - to lift Providence over the Toronto Marlies, 4-3.
Harris’ development is one to watch. With the Bruins’ blue line always in need of depth and flexibility, getting him game-ready could be a valuable asset down the stretch.
Around the League: Olympic Hopes and Scary Moments
In Colorado, Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog remains sidelined with an injury he suffered earlier this month. But there’s some optimism from head coach Jared Bednar, who said Landeskog is “getting better” and that the goal is for him to be healthy enough to represent Sweden at the upcoming Olympics. For a player who’s battled through a lot, that would be a major milestone.
Meanwhile, a scary moment unfolded during the Penguins’ game against the Canucks. Evgeni Malkin collapsed on the bench - a concerning sight given his recent shoulder issues that kept him out for 15 games.
Fortunately, Penguins interim head coach Dan Muse provided a reassuring update postgame, saying he believes Malkin is okay. Still, it’s a reminder of how quickly things can change in this game.
Final Thoughts
Tonight’s matchup at Madison Square Garden is more than just another game on the schedule. It’s a chance for the Bruins to keep their momentum rolling against a Rangers team that’s vulnerable without its star goalie. It’s also another chapter in a season where goaltending depth, roster flexibility, and health continue to shape the playoff picture across the NHL.
Puck drops soon in New York. Let’s see if Boston can take care of business and head back home with two more points in the bag.