The New York Rangers, boasting 108 points, have their sights set on clinching their fourth Presidents’ Trophy in franchise history. With previous victories in 1991-92, 1993-94, and 2014-15, they’re eager to secure a favorable first-round matchup against the Eastern Conference’s second wild card. Currently, they hold a narrow one-point lead over the Bruins, who recently triumphed over the Florida Panthers.
In the Metropolitan Division race, the Rangers maintain a comfortable five-point lead over the Carolina Hurricanes, who face the Columbus Blue Jackets in their upcoming matchup. With a magic number of six, any opportunity for the Rangers to gain points or for the Hurricanes to lose ground brings them closer to claiming the division’s top spot.The visiting Montreal Canadiens arrive at The Garden following a 4-2 defeat against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Having lost two consecutive games and posting a 4-5-1 record in their last 10 outings, the Canadiens are set to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive season.Meanwhile, the Rangers exhibit dominance on home ice, boasting a stellar record of 27-10-0. Their home points percentage ranks third in the NHL at .730, with 12 victories in their past 15 matchups at MSG. Additionally, their prowess extends to Sunday games, where they hold a remarkable 7-1-0 record.This game marks the third and final regular-season clash between the Rangers and the Canadiens. Holding a 1-0-1 advantage, the Rangers aim to finish strong against their opponents.
Note: Prior to the game, the Rangers will announce the recipient of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, an honor presented annually to the Ranger who, as chosen by the fans, demonstrates exemplary dedication and commitment. 7pm Faceoff
