Music: {allcanada} New York (29-21-4) at Montreal (29-18-5)

Friday, February 4, 2011

{allcanada} New York (29-21-4) at Montreal (29-18-5)

Game info: 2:00 pm EST Sat Feb 5, 2011
TV: CBC, RDS

The New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens are jockeying for playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Their next matchup may be critical for both teams.

Montreal looks to add to its one-point edge over visiting New York when they meet for the third time this season Saturday.

The Canadiens (29-18-5) have won two straight after dropping three of four heading into the All-Star break, beating Florida 3-2 on Wednesday. Those victories came on back-to-back nights after they defeated Washington 3-2 on Tuesday, giving them consecutive wins for the first time since Jan. 15-17.

Tomas Plekanec (notes) and Brian Gionta (notes) scored in the third period Wednesday as Montreal improved to 3-0-1 in its last four home games. Backup Alex Auld (notes) filled in nicely for Carey Price (notes) - whose 45 starts in net are tied for the most in the NHL - by making 33 saves for his first victory since beating the Rangers 2-1 on Jan. 11.

"We knew it was going to be tough, you know, back-to-back games after five days off," Plekanec said. "It's not easy. You've got to stay focused and be patient and have that hunger in every battle."

A similar mentality may be necessary against the Rangers in a critical matchup. With a win and a Capitals loss in regulation Friday, the Canadiens can jump into fifth place in the East. Montreal also beat New York 3-2 on Jan. 15.

"This is a game that's crucial for both teams," coach Jacques Martin told the Canadiens' official website. "We've played two great games against them that were really exciting this season, and I expect this one won't be any different."

New York (29-21-4) has dropped three straight after winning three of its previous four. A 3-2 loss to lowly New Jersey on Thursday had coach John Tortorella pointing a finger at struggling All-Star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (notes).

"Our goaltending hasn't been there - certainly not at the level it needs to be this time of year," Tortorella said. "I think we probably get five out of the six points if it's just decent goaltending."

Lundqvist gave up 10 goals in the three losses. He was pulled midway through the second period Thursday in favor of Martin Biron (notes) after allowing three goals on 12 shots.

"I'm upset for not playing better. I'm not upset about getting pulled," Lundqvist said. "I feel low on the energy level and need to get going. We need more saves from the goalie."

Neither Lundqvist nor Biron have fared well against Montreal recently. Lundqvist is 0-4-0 with a 3.25 goals-against average in his last four, and Biron is 2-5-1 with a 3.47 GAA in his past eight versus the Canadiens.

Vinny Prospal (notes) made his season debut for New York on Thursday after offseason knee surgery and scored. Ryan Callahan (notes) has scored in both games since missing 19 with a broken hand.

Montreal has won four straight overall in the series and is 5-0-1 in the last six meetings at Bell Centre.