Rangers Vs Canadiens Preview: Rangers Look To End Lengthy Drought In Montreal

The New York Rangers will head into Montreal having gone 1-1 on their recent three game road trip. It's no surprise that the Rangers struggle pretty bad when going into Montreal, and that's even on a good day. With this season not really going so hot, tonight could get really ugly, or it could be one of those wins that gets you back on track. The Rangers had some lineup changes tonight, which included Marian Gaborik being shifted down to the fourth line tonight.

Maybe that helps him, maybe that doesn't. He'll be matching up against lower competition, so it may give him a chance to break out of his shell. Chris Kreider also got a boost up in the lineup as he will be on a line with Brad Richards, and recently acquired Mats Zuccarello. The Rangers need a full 60-minute effort tonight if they plan on coming away with two points, as it's not going to be an easy won, especially in such a hostile building.

VS.

New York Rangers (16-14-3) vs Montreal Canadiens (21-7-5)
Bell Centre - Montreal, QC - 7:00 PM
Television: CBC, RDS, NHL Network, MSG | Radio: ESPN NY 98.7
Opponent's Blog: Eyes On The Prize | Tickets: New York Rangers Tickets

Some Quick Thoughts:

• Martin Biron is expected to get the start in Montreal tonight, as Henrik Lundqvist gets some much needed rest, after some tough outings. Biron has proven he is a serviceable backup in the NHL, so I expect his presence to give the Rangers a jump start, and calm them down a bit.
• Mats Zuccarello will be making his season debut tonight for the Rangers, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Zuccarello is the last Rangers player to score a goal at the Bell Centre, so let's hope he pots a few more tonight.
• Brandon Prust, who was out the last several weeks with a shoulder injury, is expected to make a return to the lineup tonight for the Montreal Canadiens.

Projected Lineup:

Carl Hagelin - Derek Stepan - Rick Nash
Mats Zuccarello - Brad Richards - Chris Kreider
J.T. Miller - Brian Boyle - Ryan Callahan
Taylor Pyatt - Kris Newbury - Marian Gaborik

Ryan McDonagh - Dan Girardi
Anton Stralman - Michael Del Zotto
Steve Eminger - Roman Hamrlik

Martin Biron
Henrik Lundqvist

Scratches: Matt Gilroy (healthy), Arron Asham (healthy), Darroll Powe (healthy), Marc Staal (eye)