This is the part of the schedule where the Bruins don’t get a break.

As they begin their third game of their 7-game-in-11 day pre-Christmas break stretch, the caliber of opponents the Bruins isn’t easy, to say the least. Tonight, they go up against a Rangers squad that has won six straight over the Black and Gold.

While playing their third game in four days, the Bruins do get the benefit of going up against a Rangers squad that played less than 24 hours ago. The B’s had to go through the same deal against the Capitals on Thursday and wore down in the third period before ceding their 11th straight loss to Washington. They can only hope the same fate awaits for the Broadway Blueshirts one night after a solid 4-2 win over the Pacific Division-leading Los Angeles Kings.

Looking for affordable parking and a quick in and out for Bruins-Rangers? Then park at Constitution Wharf (1 Constitution Rd.) – a short walk to TD Garden – to take advantage of their $15 rate, while avoiding traffic and construction on Causeway St. Tell them Bruins Daily sent you!

Gametime: 5:00 p.m.
TV/Radio: NESN/98.5 The Sports Hub
Records: Bruins 15-10-4 (34 points), Rangers 17-12-3 (37 points)
Location: TD Garden

Bruins projected lines

Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-David Pastrnak
Ryan Spooner-David Krejci-Jake DeBrusk
Danton Heinen-Riley Nash-David Backes
Tim Schaller-Sean Kuraly-Noel Acciari

Zdeno Chara-Charlie McAvoy
Torey Krug-Brandon Carlo
Matt Grzelcyk-Kevan Miller

Tuukka Rask
Anton Khudobin

Rangers projected lines

Chris Kreider-David Desharnais-Pavel Buchnevich
Rick Nash-J.T. Miller-Mats Zuccarello
Michael Grabner-Kevin Hayes-Jesper Fast
Paul Carey-Boo Nieves-Jimmy Vesey

Ryan McDonagh-Nick Holden
Brady Skeji-Kevin Shattenkirk
Marc Staal-Brendan Smith

Henrik Lundqvist
Ondrej Pavelec

Tonight’s storylines

– After hitting a rookie wall earlier this year, Jake DeBrusk was scratched for a game. Upon returning to the lineup, the 2015 first round pick responded nicely and has eight points in his last 10 games since watching from Level 9 against the Maple Leafs on Nov. 11 Fellow rookie and linemate Anders Bjork has hit his roadblock – after struggling to find his footing following his injury against the Leafs over a month ago – and will likely sit in the press box tonight with Ryan Spooner probable to return. Depending on how things shake out, Bjork may watch more than one game up above and could be sent to the AHL level if the Bruins continue their winning ways. It may not be ideal, but just like year with Danton Heinen, Bjork may be better off playing a few games in Providence as the former Notre Dame standout tries to find his game again.

– Much like Braden Holtby on Thursday night, the Bruins are going up against a goaltender that has had their number. One night after a 33-save performance against the Kings, Henrik Lundqvist will get the nod between the pipes. The Swede is 26-12-2 lifetime against the Black and Gold to go along with six shutouts, a .936 SV% and a GAA of 1.93. For the B’s to take a step forward, they are going to have to come through against perennial “Bruins Killers” like Holtby, Lundqvist and Toronto’s Frederik Andersen. Presumably, they’ll have one more chance this year against Lundqvist following tonight, along with another chance vs. Braden Holtby and two chances to get the best of Andersen and the Leafs.

.@Bmarch63 and the rest of the #NHLBruins are dressed in the Christmas spirit today! pic.twitter.com/2OdffowE4C

— Bruins Daily (@BruinsDaily) December 16, 2017

– Maybe the Bruins need to dress in the Christmas spirit to finally snap their six-game losing streak against the Rangers. At the very least, Don Cherry has an idea for his Christmas Coach’s Corner wardrobe.