It hasn't been a good start to the post-All-Star game schedule for the New York Rangers.
After blowing a two goal lead against the Pittsburgh Penguins en rout to a 4-3 shootout loss, they came out flat against the New Jersey Devils and lost 3-2 in regulation.
The schedule for the Rangers doesn't get any easier, with the Montreal Canadiens next up on the docket. The Rangers, who are now 7th in the East, need the two points this afternoon for their playoff push. If the Rangers can get a win they will vault over Montreal and move into sixth place.
Another loss brings them that much closer to being relegated from a playoff position. This game is especially important because Montreal has two games in hand on the Rangers.
Notes:
- Martin Biron is expected to get the start this afternoon, John Tortorella will confirm at his noon press conference.
- Chris Drury is out due to a sore knee. Erik Christensen, who was recently cleared to play, is back in today. There is some speculation that Drury will miss this entire three-game road trip to give him a good period of time to rest his knee.
- Vaclav Prospal, who had a goal in his return to the Rangers' lineup, hopes to stay sharp and continue to make a difference.
- The Rangers are currently 29-21-4.