Boston Bruins vs. New York Islanders: Game Preview, Predictions

Boston Bruins (25-16-7) vs. New York Islanders (32-14-1)

Game Time: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 7:00 p.m. ET

Players to Watch:

Bruins: D Torey Krug, RW David Pastrnak, G Tuukka Rask

Islanders: D Johnny Boychuk, C John Tavares, G Jaroslav Halak

The Bruins and Islanders face off in Uniondale to start their respective post All-Star Game schedules as both look to keep up their stellar play of late. The Islanders have emerged as bona fide Eastern Conference contenders, while the Bruins have shaken off a rough start to enter the break as one of the hottest teams in the league.

Torey Krug has had his inconsistencies this season, but few defensemen in the league play with the amount of fearlessness as the former Michigan State Spartan. Krug will look to push the pace via rushing the puck all night to keep the Islanders back on their heels and give the Bruins plenty of scoring chances. Up front rookie winger David Pastrnak has looked wise beyond his years alongside veteran stars David Krejci and Milan Lucic. Pastrnak will look to showcase his amazing playmaking abilities against an improved Islanders defense. If the Isles take the 18-year-old forward lightly look for him to make them look foolish all night long.

The Islanders will task former Bruin Johnny Boychuk with the job of keeping the Bruin forwards in check. I expect Boychuk will be extra motivated against his former team as he has a big impact on the defensive and offensive ends of the ice. Boychuk has one of the most unique shooting forms in the league, so look for him to unleash at least a few of his patented “Johnny Rocket” slapshots from the point, especially on the power play.

In addition to Boychuk, I fully expect a huge game from Islanders captain John Tavares who is looking more and more like the superstar he was projected to be when the Islanders nabbed him with the first pick of the 2009 draft. The team’s supporting cast around Tavares, including Boychuk and 2014 All-Star netminder Jaroslav Halak, are much improved and a big reason why the team is looking like a contender. Halak’s brought stability to the Isles’ net for the first time in ages, and I fully expect him to come up with at least a few highlight reel stops against a confident Boston team.

Final Prediction: Bruins 4, Islanders 3 (Shootout)