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Rangers, Bruins looking to end struggles

Jan 19, 2008 - 2:14 PM Ny Rangers (22-20-5) at Boston (22-18-5) 1:00 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) - With both teams struggling and on the fringe of the playoff picture, the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers are both desperate for a victory Saturday afternoon at the TD Banknorth Garden.

The Bruins have lost three of their previous four and nine of their last 13 contests, while the Rangers also are having their problems.

Despite a 2-1 triumph over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, New York is just 2-5-1 since the calendar turned over. As a result, the Rangers have fallen into the cellar of the Atlantic Division.

New York and Boston, which are tied for 10th in the Eastern Conference, will meet again Sunday at Madison Square Garden.

All-Star Marc Savard, a former Ranger, leads the Bruins with 36 assists and 47 points this season, while Chuck Kobasew leads the club with 14 goals.

The Rangers have been led by All-Star Scott Gomez, who has 10 tallies and a team-high 32 assists. Brendan Shanahan leads the team in goals with 15, but he has been held scoreless for the previous four games.

Marcel Hossa, who has had a tough season with just one goal and seven assists but leads New York with a plus-7 rating, will not be in the lineup due to a knee injury.