After that win in the shootout over the Columbus Blue Jackets, the New York Rangers return to action tonight as they travel to Quebec to take on the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal is coming off a 7-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs last night, where they were able to explode out of the gates to a 3-0 lead, but that was quick to dissipate. They're a dangerous team on the powerplay, so watch for the Rangers special teams tonight.
In goal, Igor Shesterkin was spectacular in his shutout yesterday. Jonathan Quick will get the start tonight as the Blueshirts look to give Igor the night off. Quick is looking for win number 400 of his career ahead of his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame when his career is all over. He's in the twilight of his time in the NHL, and the Rangers have gotten the best out of him once more. We'll see if they can repeat this for two points tonight.
Mika Zibanejad has been significantly better in 2025 but wasted a few chances last night. Two breakaways in overtime came up short, but his best attempt of the game was a lacrosse move, which came incredibly close. Trying something as audacious as that indicates his confidence is still there, and if he's confident, he can be a dangerous player for the Rangers. He just needs to get the puck into the back of the net.
Projected Lineups
New York Rangers
Artemi Panarin - Vincent Trocheck - Alexis Lafreniere
Will Cuylle - Mika Zibanejad - Reilly Smith
Chris Kreider - Filip Chytil - Arthur Kaliyev
Adam Edstrom - Sam Carrick - Matt Rempe
Ryan Lindgren - Adam Fox
K'Andre Miller - Will Borgen
Urho Vaakanainen - Braden Schneider
Jonathan Quick
Igor Shesterkin
Montreal Canadiens
Cole Caufield - Nick Suzuki - Juraj Slafkovsky
Patrik Laine - Kirby Dach - Alex Newhook
Josh Anderson - Christian Dvorak - Brendan Gallagher
Michael Pezzetta - Jake Evans - Joel Armia
Lane Hutson - Mike Matheson
Kaiden Guhle - Alexandre Carrier
Arber Xhekaj - David Savard
Samuel Montembault
Jakub Dobes
Puck Drop
It's a 7 p.m. puck drop from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, that will see these two teams clash. It's always a great game when two of the Original Six clash, but these teams are desperate for the points to stay in the playoff race. With a win today, there is a scenario where the Rangers end up just a point out of the playoff places.