The Bruins have held opponents to one regulation goal in each of their last five contests, though they are 2-1-2 during that stretch. The run began during their last meeting with the Rangers, a 4-1 victory Feb. 28 in New York.
Boston recorded 33 shots on net but only broke through once in a 2-1 shootout loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday.
The Rangers were also defeated Tuesday, falling 4-2 to the Penguins for their second straight defeat in Pittsburgh. Prior to the back-to-back losses, New York had won three straight and four of five. That run included a 6-2 home rout of the Bruins on Feb. 26.
Overall, New York is 1-2-1 against Boston this year. The rivals will play again Saturday -- the end of a six-game road trip for the Rangers -- before their final meetings from May 6-8 to end the regular season.
The Bruins' recent offensive woes have the team ranked 21st in the league at 2.78 goals per game, entering Wednesday. Coach Bruce Cassidy said he felt his team put forward the better effort of the two on the ice Tuesday, but Charlie Coyle and Brad Marchand couldn't back David Pastrnak in scoring in the shootout.
"We didn't generate a lot but didn't give up a lot either," Cassidy said. "We kept ourselves in the game, had a few opportunities to win it in overtime and didn't. As a coach, you're never displeased when your team goes out and plays a strong, structured hockey game. We just couldn't finish enough plays."
Pastrnak, whose first-period power-play goal in the contest was the 400th point of his seven-year career, concurred.
"I don't think it's frustration," he said. "I think it's the game. The Islanders are a great defensive team. You're gonna play a low-scoring game. We didn't score many goals lately, but at the same time, I think the opportunities are there. We missed a couple empty-netters."
The Rangers also had their chances against the Penguins on Tuesday, outshooting the hosts 15-1 in the third period. Ryan Strome got New York within one on the power play at 3:18, but the team couldn't come up with an equalizer before Sidney Crosby's empty-netter with 33 seconds remaining iced the game.
"There's not much we can take away from this one in terms of feeling good," said Strome.
The Rangers had plenty to feel good about Wednesday as star winger Artemi Panarin returned to practice. Panarin hasn't played since Feb. 20 after taking a leave of absence amid assault allegations that surfaced in his native Russia. He has five goals and 13 assists in 14 games this season.
Panarin's status for Thursday's game was unclear as of Wednesday afternoon.
