The Montreal Canadiens aim to maintain their perfect home record against a formidable New York Rangers team that has been challenging to score against this season. The matchup for Game 6 is set for 7:00 PM EDT, with viewing options available through CityTV, Sportsnet East, and TVA Sports in Canada, and MSG in the Rangers’ region. Streaming is accessible via ESPN+ and Sportsnet+.
In recent developments, Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle is set to miss four to six weeks due to a lower-body injury sustained during a game, which came as a surprise following initial reports that he had avoided a serious setback. Alongside Guhle, the Canadiens will also be without Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine for the game, both dealing with day-to-day issues. This situation marks the team’s first real challenge of the season after a promising start, and they’re familiar with coping without key players.
Head coach Martin St-Louis has decided not to rush in seeking a temporary solution but will instead return to a winning pairing from previous games. Jayden Struble, who recently showcased his skills in a match against the Nashville Predators, will be reuniting with Lane Hutson on the second defensive pairing, while Arber Xhekaj and Alexandre Carrier will team up on the third pairing — a combination they used effectively in earlier contests. Last season, Struble and Hutson showed strong chemistry, achieving a notable expected-goals-for percentage of 59.8% over several five-on-five minutes.
Upfront, Joe Veleno steps into the lineup for his first game this season after previously watching from the sidelines. Owen Beck joins the team from the AHL’s Laval Rocket on an emergency basis, as he looks to utilize this opportunity to demonstrate his capability at the NHL level following a less-than-ideal training camp.
In terms of performance stats, the Canadiens hold a 4-1-0 record, while the Rangers are at 2-3-1. The Rangers boast a stellar expected-goal share of 55.2% and lead the league in goals against, allowing only 1.50 per game. Notably, goaltender Igor Shesterkin ranks second in save percentage at .962. However, despite their defensive accolades, the Rangers have struggled offensively, managing merely ten goals in total across six games, including a troubling streak of being shut out in three home games.
Both teams have shown they can play an effective defensive game, with the Canadiens limiting their opponents to just 24 shots per game thus far. As they face off tonight, this clash promises to be a tightly contested battle, highlighting the potential for both teams as they navigate through the season. With the Canadiens looking to solidify their standing while adapting to injuries, this matchup against a struggling yet resilient Rangers squad is bound to be a focal point for both clubs.