Game #46: New York Rangers vs Montreal Canadiens Open Thread

EDITOR’S NOTE: Our apologies this game thread went up late. We had a scheduling issue. Have it it now!

Following Saturday's pit stop home and shootout victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Blueshirts are back on the road for an Original Six matchup. Les Habitants de Montreal are the opponents for Peter Laviolette's squad, and the matchup present another prime opportunity for New York to gain ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The Rangers leapfrogged Detroit and Pittsburgh, who both lost in regulation on Saturday, and are in position to pass both Montreal and Philadelphia and pull to within one point of the final wild card spot with a victory tonight. The Canadiens have been hot as of late as they enter play 8-2-1 in their last 11 games, but are looking to bounce back from a 7-3 drubbing against Toronto 24 hours ago.

Player to Watch: Alexis Lafreniere

While the Blueshirts have righted their ship by earning points in seven consecutive games, (5-0-2) Lafreniere has been quiet as of late. The former first overall pick has largely been a non-factor since signing a seven-year extension with New York earlier in the season, and has notched a lone assist in the team's previous five games. Perhaps returning to his native Quebec can bring another level out of Lafreniere, so keep an eye on him as the Rangers look to keep up their winning ways in Montreal tonight.

Enjoy the game!