Rangers vs Canadiens: 3 things to watch for in Original 6 matinee matchup
The New York Rangers will try to end a five-game losing streak when they welcome the Montreal Canadiens to Madison Square Garden for a Saturday matinee between two Original Six franchises.
The Rangers (12-9-1) added to their longest losing streak of the season when they dropped a 3-1 decision to the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday afternoon at Wells Fargo Center. The last time the Rangers lost five in a row was late in the 2020-21 season, when they dropped five straight from April 29-May 6.
At least the Rangers won’t have much time to dwell on their most recent defeat. After a quick trip home from Philadelphia, they are right back at it against the Canadiens (8-11-3) on home ice. The Rangers blasted the Canadiens 7-2 at the Bell Centre on Oct. 22; the seven goals were the most they’ve scored at Montreal since a 7-3 win at the Forum on Feb. 22, 1972.
The Canadiens are 4-3-0 in their past seven games, coming off a 4-3 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday, meaning they’ll have two full days of rest when they face off against the Rangers.
Related: 3 Rangers takeaways from 3-1 loss to Flyers on Black Friday
3 things to watch for when Rangers host Canadiens
1. A good start
The Rangers have been exceptionally bad at starting games over the past several weeks. They’ve allowed first-period goals in eight of their past nine games, and were down 2-0 just 4:24 into the game against the Flyers on Friday. They’ve spent too many games playing catch-up and chasing, and in each instance, haven’t been able to recover.
The Rangers trailed by two goals and were being outshot 10-0 by the Flyers before getting their first shot on goal 11:11 into the game. Needless to say, they need to come out with a much better start against Montreal.
If they want to end this losing streak, they’ll need to really focus in on the first 10 minutes and the first period as a whole. The first goal is important in any hockey game, but even more important in this one.
Of course, they need to play a solid full 60 minutes, too. It’s hard to remember the last ime the Rangers did so.
2. Help for the goalies
Igor Shesterkin was the Rangers’ best player in Philadelphia, as he’s been for most of the season. Though he allowed the two early goals against the Flyers — neither of which he had a chance to stop — he denied a boatload of Grade A chances and gave New York a chance to come back.
Shesterkin had to stand on his head because the Rangers hung him out to dry once again. Not only did they allow numerous odd-man rushes and high-danger scoring chances, many fueled by costly turnovers, they didn’t help him because they couldn’t score.
Jonathan Quick is likely to get the start in the second of back-to-back games, but no matter who is in net, the Rangers will need to give their goalie more support. The best way to do that: spend more time in the offensive zone and find the back of the net.
Quick’s last game was a 6-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers last week, his first defeat of the season. He was simply hung out to dry by his teammates. Let’s see if they can provide a bit more support Saturday.
3. Break the streak at all costs
Above all else, the Rangers need to get back into the win column. The five-game losing streak, complete with trade rumors, injuries, and poor play, has snowballed into into an ugly mess. One win won’t solve everything, but it will should calm things down a bit.
The last time the Rangers lost six straight games was 2018-19, a season when they were in the middle of a rebuild. Now, as a supposed contender, they’re staring six losses directly in the face. They have a great opportunity to get a win on home ice against a team that is ranked 30th in the NHL. A win, and they’ll feel good for a bit. A loss, and things get even uglier.
New York Rangers projected lineup
Panarin – Trocheck – Lafreniere
Kreider – Zibanejad – Smith
Cuylle – Chytil – Kakko
Edstrom – Carrick – Vesey
Lindgren – Fox
Miller- Schneider
Jones – Trouba
Quick
Shesterkin
Check back in for updates prior to puck drop.
Rangers vs. Canadiens: When, where, what time, how to watch
Who: New York Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens
When: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden
How to watch: MSG
Click here for New York Rangers complete 2024-25 schedule and game results
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