The Rangers return to action after two days off to face the Bruins. After tonight’s game, New York has three days off before taking on Florida at home Monday, Toronto on the road Wednesday and Vegas at home next Friday. The Blueshirts and the NHL then have their All-Star break before New York is in action Monday against Calgary.

The good news is that Chris Kreider, after missing three games with an upper body, likely a shoulder, injury, will be back in action tonight. With Kreider in, Sammy Blais is the expected scratch with Jake Leschyshyn remaining in. Leschyshyn has shown to be a much better skater than Blais, who has yet to receive his speed from his ACL surgery, with the same less than middling production.

Kreider - Zib - Kakko
Panarin - Trocheck - Kravtsov
Laf - Chytil - Goodrow
Vesey - Brodzinski - Leschyshyn

Julien Gauthier skated yesterday in a non-contact jersey, so hopefully he is ready to return relatively soon. When that happens, look for him to likely be on the fourth, which leaves Barclay Goodrow on the third trio. Either Jonny Brodzinski or Leschyshyn will come out when Gauthier is ready

The other change to look for tonight is that K’Andre Miller will remain on the point on the second power play unit with Jacob Trouba shifted to the left circle. Kreider returns to his spot on the first grouping with Vitali Kravtsov losing his spot completely, which is no surprise. Given what Miller provided when added to the unit, removing him would be a huge mistake. The big question is will coach Gerard Gallant balance out the PP TOI for the two units or studio roll mainly with the first grouping.

We all know when these two teams meet, it will be physical. Add in a little healthy dislike after the last game plus the placement in the standings, and that dislike grows exponentially. Boston continues to lead the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference by a wide margin while New York is solidly in third place in the Metro but in sight of first and second.

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