Rangers vs. Bruins Odds
| Rangers Odds | +105 |
| Bruins Odds | -125 |
| Over / Under | 5.5 -125 / +105 |
Here's everything you need to know about Rangers vs. Bruins on Saturday, Dec. 16 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
We have a battle of first-place teams today in what should be an entertaining affair. These two teams just squared off a few weeks ago with New York claiming a 7-4 victory.
Will we see another high-scoring affair, or can the goaltending step up this time around?
Let's dig into the NHL odds and make a Rangers vs. Bruins prediction and pick.
New York Rangers
While we saw a high-scoring affair the first time around, we should expect a low-scoring game on Saturday.
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin is slated to take the crease for New York and is due for a bounce-back performance.
Yes, Shesterkin has struggled recently, but this is still one of the best netminders in the world. Despite the recent struggles, he still boasts a 10-7 record with a .904 SV% and 3.02 GAA.
He was not in net for that first matchup against Boston this year, which is part of the reason for the high-scoring game. Over his past six starts against the Bruins, Shesterkin sports a .911 SV% and 2.87 GAA.
However, the offense has been a bit inconsistent recently. Over their past five contests, the Rangers are averaging just 2.8 goals scored per game.
(Ready to get in on the NHL betting action in North Carolina? You’ll soon be able to join in on NC sports betting, as the state is expected to come online in 2024.)
Boston Bruins
That lack of offensive production is likely to continue against the mighty Bruins. Once again one of the best defensive teams in the league, Boston ranks fourth in goals allowed per game.
While the blue line is very talented, the bulk of this credit once again goes to the goaltending.
Slated to go against Shesterkin is goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who is once again serving as the best 1B in the league.
Through 14 starts, Swayman is 9-1-3 with a commanding .933 SV% and 2.07 GAA. He has not allowed more than two goals in each of his past three starts, posting a .965 SV% and 0.99 GAA over that stretch.
There were four or fewer total goals scored in each of those three outings.
Rangers vs. Bruins
Betting Pick & Prediction
Swayman's success is likely to continue against the Rangers, a team he has dominated. Over his four career starts against New York, he boasts a .946 SV% and 1.48 GAA.
There were four or fewer total goals scored in three of those four matchups. While both offenses are very talented, Shesterkin and Swayman are surely up to the task of keeping this matchup yet another low-scoring affair.
Betway is offering a favorable number on the Under 5.5 at +105, but for our more risk-averse crowd, I think there is still value to be had on the Under 6, which is widely available at -120.
Pick: Under 5.5 (+105 at Betway)
