GAME DAY PREVIEW | Montreal Canadiens vs New York Rangers: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Habs Tickets

A Look Back

After an emotional tribute to Guy Lafleur, the Habs fell flat. Boston dominated the first period scoring twice taking advantage of a scrambly Sam Montembeault. It marked the seventh straight game that Montreal failed to score the initial goal. After falling behind 4-1, the Habs had a third period resurgence, scoring twice to bring the score close. But Patrice Bergeron scored an empty-netter to end the comeback.

Last game: MTL 3  BOS 5  F

For a complete game recap: Guy Guy Guy | RECAP: BOS @ MTL

Players to Watch

• Josh Anderson
  Anderson has struggled to consistently find the net this season. But being agile with  speed, he’s capable of creating chances. That said, he has just two points in his last eight games. Yet, the 27-year-old winger has 14 shots in the past five games.
• Mike Hoffman
  The Ontario native has struggled to find a place on the Canadiens this season, but has caught fire at the very bitter end. Hoffman has four points, two goals, two assists in his past five games. It’s uncertain if Hoffman will remain a Hab, but he’ll want to cap off these last two games on a positive note.
• Nick Suzuki
  In a glum season, Suzuki has been a bright light for the franchise. The 22-year-old continues to impress, scoring his 21st of the season on Sunday night. He leads the team with 59 points, a career high for the centreman in his third year. Alongside Cole Caufield, the Habs shouldn’t have anything to worry about on the top line.

Keys to Victory

• Win special teams
  The Canadiens went five games without scoring a power-play goal until Sunday night when they were potted two goals with the man-advantage. The Rangers are top-10  in the league on the penalty-kill rate. Finding net when given a power-play opportunity will be key to beating a dangerous Rangers team.
• Create traffic
  Getting pucks on net betters the chance of creating a high danger opportunities. The Habs should continue funneling pucks to the front and jumping on rebounds, where they’ve found success in previous games.
• Be disciplined
  Avoiding short-handed hockey is an absolute must against a team like the Rangers who are top-five in the league in percent powerplay success rate. The Canadiens have 828 penalty minutes in 80 games played, sitting fourth in the NHL. Finishing off the last two games without taking meaningless penalties should be a goal.

2021-22  statistics

• “We want to fight and give everything. There are two games left to empty the tank. The summer will be long and we will not be able to simulate these rehearsals. We are going to face two teams that will be playoffs and we will need a collective effort.”

Bottom Line