New York Rangers head to Montreal to take on improving Canadiens

NHL: New York Rangers at Montreal Canadiens
Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers once again avoided consecutive losses by beating the Chicago Blackhawks at home on Thursday by a 4-1 score. That improved their season record to 10-1-0 after a loss, and they will now look to string some wins together as they take to the road against the Montreal Canadiens.

“There’s a good group of players here,” coach Peter Laviolette said on Friday. “They’ve had some success in the past and are searching for ultimate success. We’re working everyday to build our brand on the ice to make sure we’re do the right thing to be successful today and the long term.”

Here’s tonight’s game and broadcast info:

New York Rangers (26-10-1) vs Montreal Canadiens (16-17-5)
Date/Time: January 6, 2024 @ 7:00 PM ET
Arena: Bell Centre
TV: MSG2
Radio: ESPN 1050 AM

Note: Subject to change, updated for each game

Related: Analyzing Brennan Othmann’s debut

New York Rangers projected lineup

NHL: New York Rangers at Montreal Canadiens
David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

The Blueshirts lineup should remain the same with Jonathan Quick projected to start. Kaapo Kakko is also expected to begin traveling with the team as he works his way back from a lower-body injury. Forward Tyler Pitlick is week-to-week with a lower-body issue.

Kreider- Zibanejad – Wheeler
Panarin – Trocheck – Lafreniere
Cuylle – Goodrow – Vesey
Othmann – Bonino – Brodzinski

Lindgren – Fox
Miller – Trouba
Gustafsson – Schneider

Quick
Shesterkin

Note: New York will hold a morning skate at 11:30 a.m. ET. Head coach Peter Laviolette will address the media soon after. Check back here for any updates.

New York Rangers vs Montreal Canadiens

The Rangers remain one of the top teams in the league, thanks to a great start to the season. However, in their last 14 games, they are 8-6-0 and just 3-3-0 against teams currently in a playoff spot.

“Last game (against Carolina), whether you’re down or up a couple, you have to play a full 60 minutes,” center Vincent Trocheck stated. “Any team can comeback in this league, so you’ve got to close things out.”

New York comes into this latest Original Six matchup as the league leader in wins (26) and points percentage (.716). They will look to add to those totals against an improved Canadiens team that recently beat the Dallas Stars on the road before getting bounced by the Buffalo Sabres at home in their last game.

The Rangers have been a good road team with a record of 13-5-1 for 27 points. That’s tied for the league lead in wins and points. In their last 7 meetings against the Habs, New York is 5-2-0.

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL ... More about Anthony Scultore
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