Welcome back to NHL Predictions here at Last Word On Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games all season long. This time around, we’re taking a closer look at a matchup featuring the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions New York Rangers vs Montreal Canadiens
Season Series: Rangers 2-0 Canadiens
How To Watch: TSN2, RDS, MSG
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York
Rangers Storyline
The New York Rangers have had an exciting week. Odd to say, since New York was eliminated from playoff contention, but even so the future looks brighter than it did just a week ago. The Rangers are on a three game winning streak, highlighted with a 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday at home. Rookies Gabriel Perreault, Adam Sykora and Drew Fortescue have given the roster a jump, especially Sykora. He’s scored two goals since making his Rangers debut last week, and his infectious energy and speed has allowed New York to open up their game.
While Perrault is really the only prospect in that group that has the potential to be a top-line mainstay, the others give the Rangers key depth spots that they haven’t been able to fill. New York has struggled with finding reliable depth options, and these young guns may be able to fill the gap. Alexis Lafrainere and Mika Zibanejad have shined since the trade of Artemi Panarin, and Igor Shesterkin has continued his dominating season. Shesterkin has even taken his talents to fighting.
WE GOT ANOTHER GOALIE FIGHT THIS TIME SHESTERKIN VS MARKSTROM ?? pic.twitter.com/CqkWXkVPpy
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 1, 2026
In all seriousness, the Rangers are playing with fire, and they will need to keep it up if they want to beat the Canadiens.
(Credit Image: © John Mccall/South Florida Sun Sentinel via ZUMA Press Wire)
Canadiens Storyline
The Montreal Canadiens are on their own win streak, currently at six games. The Canadiens are filled with talented forwards, making them a scary time to face. Cole Caufield is aiming to score 50 goals this year, and he’s been especially unstoppable the past few games. Montreal has plenty of talent on the backend as well, highlighted by Lane Hutson, another rising star in the league. New York shouldn’t be a walk in the park, but the Canadiens are up to the challenge.
MR. ?̶?̶?̶?̶?̶?̶?̶?̶ TUESDAY NIGHT ?
COLE CAUFIELD HAS 47 GOALS ON THE SEASON ? pic.twitter.com/OJmQTjNE7N
— Sports on Prime Canada (@SportsOnPrimeCA) April 1, 2026
If the Canadiens have a weakness, it’s in net. Jakub Dobes has been their starter this season, and his stats are solid, but not game breaking. Dobes has tallied 28 wins on the season, but his save percentage is just over .900 at .903. Again, solid numbers, not elite. New York needs to get pucks to the net if they want a chance to win this game.
Predictions and Key Bets to Watch
Rangers 5-4 Canadiens
The Rangers have had Montreal’s number all season. Even though the Canadiens have been the better team, they’ve just had trouble keeping up with the Rangers. And now, with the Rangers playing the best hockey they’ve played all season, we expect results to be the same. Of course, Montreal can absolutely win this game, but it will be a close one. This will be an exciting matchup with a lot of new faces that may become more familiar as the years go on.
For players to watch, look for Alexis Lafrenière to get on the scoresheet. Lafrenière has continued to play well, and even with the return of JT Miller, he’s still getting looks on the top line power play. Look for him to be an impact player for the Rangers in this one. For Montreal, Cole Caufield is the obvious choice. He’s the top scorer on the Canadiens, and his speed and skill almost always translates to goals and assists.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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