Bruins at Rangers
THE STORY: For the Boston Bruins, Sunday afternoon's game against the host New York Rangers represents the best chance to gain ground on the Eastern Conference leaders. The Bruins had a golden opportunity to trim the 10-point deficit against the Rangers' geographical rivals, but the Islanders had other plans – escaping with a 3-2 victory behind a late goal from John Tavares. Boston not only lost the game, but also saw netminder Tuukka Rask go down with a leg injury. The Rangers are coming off an overtime loss to Tampa Bay, but have points in five straight games (3-0-2).
TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, NBC, NHL Network Canada
ABOUT THE BRUINS (38-22-3): Boston will be without Rask and forward Daniel Paille for Sunday's pivotal showdown. Paille was injured when he fell hard after being tripped by Islanders defenseman Steve Staios on Saturday. He didn't return to the game and is listed as having an upper-body injury. Paille has been one of the club's most valuable depth players, recording nine goals and five assists in 58 games. He's also tied for the club lead with two shorthanded goals. Boston recalled Lane MacDermid from Providence to replace Paille.
ABOUT THE RANGERS (41-15-7): New York may have to face the defending Stanley Cup champions without the services of blue-liner Michael Del Zotto. He suffered a hip injury last weekend against the Buffalo Sabres and aggravated it later in the week against the Carolina Hurricanes. Del Zotto considers himself day-to-day and is likely a game-time decision for Sunday's tilt with the Bruins. The 21-year-old is enjoying a solid bounce-back season with seven goals, 26 assists and a plus-26 rating in 62 games.
OVERTIME:
1. The Bruins recalled netminder Michael Hutchinson to serve as Tim Thomas' backup against the Rangers. Hutchinson, who turned 22 Friday, has yet to appear in an NHL game.
2. The Rangers have won both meetings so far this season, outscoring the Bruins 6-2.
3. New York F Marian Gaborik has struggled against Boston, recording just seven points (four goals, three assists) in 16 career games.