Canadiens vs. Rangers: Game 6 prediction

Mar 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Dwight King (21) and New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) battle for a loose puck during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Monteal won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the Montreal Canadiens extend their series against the New York Rangers in Game 6 on Saturday?

The Atlantic Division champion Montreal Canadiens are behind the eight ball. Going into the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs as one of the favorites to win the title, they find themselves in an elimination game against the New York Rangers. And not the good kind. Game 6 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden is must-win for Montreal. A loss will prematurely end their season. It will cost them one heck of a chance to win their first Stanley Cup in almost 25 years.

Montreal has not been able to solve Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. He’s been outstanding so far this series. Lundqvist has a reputation for being clutch in the postseason and so far, he’s more than living up to the hype. Still, Montreal has to get more bodies in front of him and make things more difficult for him. They’re having a hard time dealing with the Rangers’ speed as well.

On the other side of the ice, New York must figure out how to win a huge game at home. They have been far more comfortable on the road than they have been at Madison Square Garden. Jesper Fast, Rick Nash, Brady Skjei and Michael Grabner each have two goals in the series.

Prediction

Montreal gets a huge road win here. The Rangers are very inconsistent at home and can’t be relied on to win at Madison Square Garden. Also, a lot of the pressure is on Montreal. Pressure should be a good thing for them. This will set up what should be an epic Game 7 in Montreal. Hopefully this series gets a seventh game because it’s been amazing.

Canadiens beat Rangers 3-1.

Home/Montreal Canadiens