Rangers vs. Bruins: Scoring Issues Continue As Bruins Shutout Rangers - Blueshirt Banter
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By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

It was déjà vu for the Boston Bruins as they lost control of tonight’s tilt against a New York team. As the Rangers welcomed back fans (albeit limited) to the Madison Square Garden, this game will be one the Bruins will look to move on from as they lose 6-2 to a more physical Rangers team.

GAME BREAKDOWN

In the second game of a back-to-back, Tuukka Rask would get the start in the net for the Bruins. The game saw some early looks from both ends of the ice. A dangerous attempt to slide the puck in by the Rangers was luckily stopped by a good-positioned Rask. New York was charging the net and unfortunately, Boston at times had a hard time clearing the puck.

Bruins started to pick up their game as hard shots were sent towards Rangers goalie Alexander Georgiev. Another close call on Boston’s net was stopped by Rask, however, the Bruins had some close calls as David Pastrnak attempted to get the puck in the net. Charlie Coyle found himself on a breakaway attempt but was unable to score. Lots of traffic in front of Boston’s net cost them a goal as Julien Gauthier scored his second goal of the season.

The B’s would draw the first power play of the night as K’Andre Miller was called for a holding penalty. No score on the man advantage as the Bruins had one shot on goal. Boston’s gameplay throughout the first lacked the physicality they needed after a tough loss the night prior.

SCORE END OF FIRST: BOS-0, NYR-1

SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-6, NYR-9

Right off the faceoff in the second period, the Bruins would be on their second power play of the night for a high-sticking penalty. Despite some good attempts no goal for the Bruins. The Rangers would once again get on board as Ryan Strome snapped one past Rask, making it 2-0. On a redirect, Boston’s Patrice Bergeron scored, making it 2-1. The Captain is now fifth place in the Bruins all-time scoring list.

As the Bruins attempted to shift momentum, a scuffle broke out on the ice between the two teams. Brad Marchand would be sent to the box as the Rangers got on the power play. No score as New York had one shot attempt on goal. Lots of traffic in front of the Rangers net led to a roughing penalty, giving Boston the power play. Rask was able to stop an attempted short-handed goal by New York.

Marchand would once again be sent to the penalty box after a high stick to Chris Kreider. The Rangers came hard towards the Bruins, however, Boston’s defense (as well as Rask) was able to block all shot attempts. In the last minute of the period, Nick Ritchie was called for a tripping penalty against Brendan Smith. Unfortunately, the Rangers Colin Blackwell would score, making it 3-1. Seconds later, Chris Kreider made it 4-1 as the puck shot off Charlie McAvoy’s skate.

There would be four-on-four action as Jack Johnson and Trent Frederic were called for cross-checking and slashing. Both headed off to the locker room to finish off the period.

SCORE END OF SECOND: BOS-1, NYR-4

SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS- 16, NYR-15

Continuing with the theme of the night, the Rangers’ Pavel Buchnevich would score, making it 5-1. New York continued to pummel Boston as Jonny Brodzinski slid one in past Rask making it 6-1. Bruins Brad Marchand netted his 300th milestone goal of his career, making it 6-2.

With four minutes left to the third period, the Bruins were down a man as Jakub Zboril headed off to the penalty box. Luckily Boston was able to keep the Rangers from scoring, but there was no coming back from this game. This would be the first loss for the Bruins against the Rangers this season so far. Boston is now 11-5-2 and still cling to first in the East Division.

END OF GAME: BOS-2, NYR-6

TOTAL SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS- 33, NYR-34

NEXT GAME: Sunday, February 28th, versus New York Rangers with puck drop at noon. NBC