Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Rangers Predictions, Picks and Preview – 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Eastern Conference First Round Game Four – April 18, 2017
Thanks to yet another good, all-around effort, the Canadiens picked up another win, as they dominated Game 3, 3-1. The disappointing Game 1 shutout loss is now a distant memory and they now own all the momentum they can take. The Habs went from being on the verge of sinking to an 0-2 hole to leading the series, 2-1.
With Max Pacioretty being quiet as of late – no goals and four assists in his last seven outings, which includes games in the regular season – Alexander Radulov has been stepping up. The first-year Canadien has scored one even-strength goal in each of the series’ last two games, while also chipping in three combined assists.
If Radulov can continue riding his rhythm and Pacioretty comes alive to effectively join in the attack, the Habs are in excellent position to advance and help Carey Price get some more revenge on Chris Kreider and the Rangers.
Price, of course, is performing well. He has followed up his comeback tour with a .944 save percentage in this series (84-for-89), and we should be able to see him maintain similar numbers moving forward.
The Rangers’ weird woes at home continues. Their mediocre 20-16-4 home record in the regular season is the worst among ALL current playoff teams and they have also lost six consecutive postseason games on their own turf.
Additionally, in that time span, which began in Game 2 of the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning, they have been outscored at Madison Square Garden, 20-4.
If Henrik Lundqvist’s defense continues to be the lone effective play from the Blueshirts, they are well on their way of being ousted in the first round on back-to-back years.
The 12-year veteran has 111 saves in the series (.941 save percentage), including a playoff career-high 54 in Game 2. His teammates on offense, though some have been decent, aren’t nearly as good so far. Michael Grabner has two goals, Rick Nash has one, while top scorer, Chris Kreider, is 0-for-6. Key facilitator Mats Zucarello found the back of the net in Game 2, but he is yet to record an assist in any of the series’ three games.
