Rangers Edge Bruins In Overtime Thriller At Madison Square Garden

On a chilly January night in Manhattan, the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers delivered a classic Original Six showdown at Madison Square Garden, with drama, momentum swings, and a finish that had the crowd on its feet. The Bruins, riding high with eight wins in their last nine games, entered the contest as one of the NHL’s hottest teams, while the Rangers, mired in a 1-7-1 slump, were desperate to turn their fortunes around. But as fans braved the snow outside, those inside were treated to a nail-biter that ultimately saw the Rangers edge out the Bruins 4-3 in overtime.

This Monday night clash wasn’t just another game on the schedule—it marked a milestone for the Rangers, who donned their Centennial throwback jerseys in celebration of their 100th NHL season. The historic backdrop added extra energy to the building, even as the home team had struggled all year at the Garden, posting a 5-13-4 record before puck drop. The Bruins, meanwhile, were kicking off the first night of a back-to-back, with a quick turnaround ahead as they were set to host the Nashville Predators the following evening.

Boston’s lineup featured no surprises, as coach Marco Sturm confirmed after the morning skate: “It’s a tricky team,” Sturm said of the Rangers. “They’re still a very good hockey team. I know they’ve been on and off this season a little, but we can’t look at their past. We got to have the right mindset today, because they are a good team and we have a job to do.” He also stressed the importance of a full 60-minute effort, adding, “We don’t want to miss a period like we did last game. It could cost us sometimes a period, and sometimes games too.” Nikita Zadorov, who’d taken an awkward fall against Montreal two nights prior, was a game-time decision but ultimately suited up, with Henri Jokiharju waiting in the wings if needed. Joonas Korpisalo, boasting a 10-8-0 record, was tapped to start in goal for Boston.

The Rangers, still missing key pieces in injured goalie Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox, relied on veteran Jonathan Quick between the pipes. Their first line featured JT Miller, Mika Zibanejad, and Gabe Perreault, while the Bruins rolled out Marat Khusnutdinov, Elias Lindholm, and David Pastrnak as their top trio. With both teams boasting potent power plays—the Bruins leading the league since January 1 at a blistering 38.7% and the Rangers close behind at 34.6%—special teams were expected to play a pivotal role.

When the puck dropped, it was the Rangers who struck first. Capitalizing on a defensive breakdown by Boston, Urho Vaakanainen fired a shot from the point that was deftly tipped by Will Cuylle, giving the home side an early lead. The Bruins, though, responded quickly. David Pastrnak entered New York’s zone and, despite an errant pass, Elias Lindholm tied the game with a well-timed finish. Yet, the Rangers wasted no time reclaiming the advantage. Just 30 seconds after Lindholm’s equalizer, a breakout by New York’s second line set up JT Miller for a one-timer, sending the Garden into a frenzy and the Rangers into the first intermission up 2-1.

The second period saw Boston regroup and tighten up defensively. Lindholm, who was a force all night, notched his second goal on a second-chance effort, knotting the game once again. The Bruins’ first line continued to buzz, and midway through the period, Morgan Geekie fired an awkward shot past Jonathan Quick for Boston’s third goal. That tally was a milestone moment, marking David Pastrnak’s 900th career NHL point—a testament to his consistency and star power.

Despite their lead, the Bruins knew they couldn’t let up, especially against a Rangers squad eager to break out of their slump. Boston’s penalty kill rose to the occasion, successfully stifling four Rangers power plays in the middle frame. Their power play, which has been a guiding force all season, didn’t find the net this time but continued to generate chances, keeping the pressure on New York’s penalty kill, ranked 15th in the league.

Heading into the third period up by a goal, the Bruins looked poised to secure another victory. But as the minutes ticked away, the Rangers found another gear. The home team cycled the puck with urgency, and eventually, Will Borgen unleashed a shot from the point that eluded Korpisalo, tying the game and sending a jolt through the arena. The Bruins, who had played with such confidence earlier, suddenly found themselves on their heels, struggling to match the Rangers’ late-game intensity.

Overtime began with the Rangers carrying the momentum. They controlled possession for much of the extra session, probing for an opening. Boston’s defense held strong for several tense minutes, but the breakthrough finally came when Matthew Robertson joined an offensive rush and buried the game-winning goal, sealing a much-needed win for New York and sending the Garden faithful into celebration mode.

For the Bruins, it was a game that slipped away. Defensive lapses proved costly, as all four Rangers goals stemmed from breakdowns or missed assignments. Still, there were bright spots—Elias Lindholm’s two-goal night, a resilient penalty kill, and Geekie’s milestone goal. The Bruins earned a point in the standings, but as the team packed up for the flight back to Boston, there was a sense that another point had been left on the table.

After the game, Morgan Geekie reflected on the team’s recent form and the challenge of closing out tight contests: “To be able to come back in the third and put together a solid performance and get the two points is all that matters. It’s tough to win in this league. ... It’s nice for us to get that one and just keep going.” His words, spoken after the previous win against Montreal, rang true once again—every point matters as the playoff race heats up.

The Bruins’ season series with the Rangers now stands at one win apiece, with Boston having routed New York 10-2 earlier in January after dropping a 6-2 decision in November. With a packed schedule ahead—including games against Nashville, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, and Florida—the Bruins will need to regroup quickly as they look to maintain their place among the league’s elite.

For the Rangers, the overtime victory was a much-needed boost during a challenging season. Celebrating their centennial year in style, they reminded the hockey world that even during tough stretches, the spirit of the Original Six lives on at Madison Square Garden.

As both teams look ahead—Boston to a quick turnaround against the Predators, New York to building on this momentum—the echoes of this thriller will linger. What a night for hockey in New York!