Preview: Bruins look to keep momentum going against Rangers today

Just the facts

When: Today, 1 PM

Where: TD Garden- Boston, MA

How to follow: NESN, NHLN, SN, 98.5 The Sports Hub

Rival SBN site: Blueshirt Banter

Know your enemy

10-12-3 for 23 points, sixth in East

Pavel Buchnevich: 25GP, 7G, 13A, 20PTS; Ryan Strome: 25GP, 9G, 9A, 18PTS; Artemi Panarin: 14GP, 5G, 13A, 18PTS; Chris Kreider: 25GP, 13G, 4A, 17PTS

Keith Kinkaid: 0-1-0, 2.21 GAA, .912 save percentage

Game notes

• The Boston Bruins close out the first homestand against the New York Rangers today. On Thursday, the Bruins blanked the Rangers 4-0. Jaroslav Halak earned his second shutout of the season, making 27 saves. David Pastrnak opened the scoring in the first period. Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron did what they do best shorthanded and Bergeron netted a shorty goal to put the Bruins up 2-0. Special teams kept it rolling with a power-play goal from David Krejci in the second period to give him his first tally of the season (FINALLY). Jake DeBrusk scored less than a minute and a half later and the Bruins held off the Rangers for a final of 4-0. Marchand had three points on the night, while Krejci and Bergeron each had two.
• The Bruins are 4-1 against the Rangers this season. In the five meetings, the Bruins have outshot the Rangers 158-138. It’s no surprise Bergeron’s line has been dominant against the Rangers this season. So far, Marchand leads in points against New York with seven. Pastrnak has five and Bergeron has four points.
• The Bruins top line has produced throughout the ups and downs of this part of the season. In his last 11 games, Pastrnak has registered seven goals and seven assists for 14 points with four multi-point nights. Marchand has recorded four goals and 11 assists with five multi-point nights in the same stretch. And to add - Bergeron, Marchand and Pastrnak have combined for 25% of shots taken in March games.
• Be it the new ‘do or stick change or honestly, getting called out, DeBrusk had a fire lit under him last game and it’s going to be interesting to see how the next few games play out. He has a chance to reset his season which been inconsistent. So far, he’s only accumulated two goals and four assists and hasn’t gained any momentum. Thursday was one game, but something to build upon and hopefully turn the season around for him. (Hey, I’m an optimist)
• Rangers coach David Quinn said yesterday that Kinkaid would get the start in the net, as Igor Shesterkin remains out with a lower-body injury. Kinkaid has appeared in three games this season and has one win under his belt. Last game was the second time since March 7 that Kinkaid came into the game to relieve Alexandar Georgiev.
• Marchand missed yesterday’s practice after getting a bit banged up in Thursday’s game, Bruce Cassidy said. It will be determined this morning if he’ll be in the lineup today. Zach Senyshyn is out with an upper-body injury after making his season debut the other night. Tuukka Rask is also still out and didn’t practice. Halak will get the start.

See ya this afternoon!