At a crucial point in the 2024-2025 NHL season, the New York Rangers are surging - the Blueshirts have points in seven straight games, posting a 5-0-2 record over that span. After two disastrous months, it feels like every point matters in this mid-season stretch.
Currently, the Rangers have 47 points and are three back of the Ottawa Senators, who hold the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. The East playoff race is a close one - there are eight teams within five points of one another.
Moreover, the Rangers face a bunch of their competitors throughout a four-game stretch, starting last night with a 1-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. It continues tonight in Montreal, where the Rangers face the Canadiens; Montreal is one point ahead of New York going into tonight's contest.
When the standings are like this, it feels like every point is going to matter. Here's three players the Rangers need to get going against Montreal.
1. Jonathan Quick
On Saturday night against the Blue Jackets, Igor Shesterkin was brilliant. He stopped everything thrown in his direction en route to a 27-save shutout, piled along with three saves in the shootout.
Tonight, though, it will be proabbly be Quick, who is still searching for his 400th career win. In his last start against Dallas, Quick had 39 saves but let in five goals, including Jamie Benn's overtime winner.
2. Alexis Lafreniere
While Lafreneire has gotten his fair share of opportunities, he has not had the production that is necessary for this team to win. Over his past five games, Lafreniere only has one assist.
The biggest thing that has to get going for Lafreniere is his goalscoring - he had two in the first period on Jan. 7 against Dallas, breaking a 10-game goalless drought, but since has yet to see one go into the back of the net.
Tonight's game carries a little extra emotion for the 23-year-old, who grew up in the Montreal area. Perhaps, a return home is exactly what he needs to get going.
3. Mika Zibanejad
Zibanejad had quite the polarizing game against Columbus — he attempted a Michigan, missed two breakaways and a shootout opportunity. While he was skating well, he could not finish.
This won't be the first time and it won't be the last: the Rangers are a much better team when Zibanejad is playing well.