TEAM COMPARISONS
A six-game win streak at the most critical point of the season has propelled Montreal’s playoff odds to 99.9%, according to MoneyPuck. The tension has eased compared to a week ago, but the job isn’t done, and with their magic number down to seven, the Habs look to stay hot in their pursuit of clinching a postseason berth.
One more notable trend for the Canadiens: they’ve allowed just one goal in four straight games for the first time since 2016-17.
The Rangers, meanwhile, may be mathematically eliminated, but they haven’t exactly thrown in the towel just yet. New York enters Thursday’s matchup riding a three-game win streak. Still, it’s been a disappointing campaign for the Blueshirts, who sit last in the Eastern Conference and own a 12-18-1 record at Madison Square Garden this season.
SEASON SERIES
Oct. 18 vs. NYR: 4-3 NYR
Dec. 13 @ NYR: 5-4 NYR (SO)
Apr. 2 @ NYR:
PLAYERS TO WATCH FOR
All eyes will be on Cole Caufield as he continues his charge toward the 50-goal mark. The Canadiens sniper has been on a tear, lighting the lamp 10 times in his last 10 games, including goals in three straight, making him a must-watch in New York.
On the other side, Adam Fox comes in hot as well. The Rangers defenseman is riding a four-game point streak with seven points over that span, and has been a steady force when healthy throughout the season with 44 points (six goals, 38 assists) in 48 games.
BY THE NUMBERS: HABS-BLUESHIRTS
Here’s how the Canadiens and Rangers match up by the numbers:
