The Rangers' power play was once again effective, going 2-for-3 on the night, with Mika Zibanejad scoring his third of the season and Kevin Shattenkirk picking up his first tally as a Ranger.
The plan for Sunday was for backup goaltender Ondrej Pavelec to make his Rangers debut, but that came a night early after Pavelec replaced Henrik Lundqvist after the first period. Lundqvist surrendered five goals in the first 20 minutes and was relieved by Pavelec. After the game, Alain Vigneault said a decision on his starter for Sunday had not been decided.
Montreal is coming off a road loss of its own Saturday night, dropping a 6-1 decision in Washington that saw Alex Ovechkin score four goals.
Like Lundqvist, Carey Price was pulled after allowing four goals in the first period. A decision on Montreal's starter is in flux as well.
The Canadiens have had trouble scoring early in the season, with just three goals through two games, though one ended in a victory over Buffalo Thursday night. Just seven players have registered a point through the two games.