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New York Rangers: 3 Keys to Eliminate the Montreal Canadiens

By Nick Ziegler

Apr 14, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New York Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello (36) reacts with teammates after scoring a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New York Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello (36) reacts with teammates after scoring a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Rangers
Apr 16, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) watches as a shot goes wide of Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

– Win at Home

Due to the Canadiens having the home ice advantage, we know that the Rangers are going to need to win at least one game in Montreal. Playing well on the road hasn’t been an issue for the Rangers all season, as they totaled a 27-12-2 record on the road this season. While being a good road team is usually an indication of a team being great overall, the Rangers haven’t played as well at home.

In the regular season at home, the Rangers were just 21-16-4 this season. The problems at home have been well-documented in the playoffs, but the Rangers were finally able to snap the losing streak in Game 4. It was a much better effort at home in Game 4 compared to Game 3, and the Rangers will need that once again in Game 6.

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If the Rangers somehow win Game 5 in Montreal, Game 6 could be an opportunity to eliminate the Canadiens. However, a loss in Game 6 would then send the series back to Montreal for a Game 7 on the road. Even though the Rangers have played well on the road this season, you want to avoid a Game 7 road game. While Game 5 is certainly important for the Rangers, Game 6 is a must-win game for the Rangers whether they win in Game 5 and, of course, if they lose in Game 5.

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