Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Rangers: 3 things to watch

The Montreal Canadiens will play the first of many games without Brendan Gallagher as they look to stop the Rangers who have won 9 straight games at home.

Game time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Here are three things to watch:

1. Elite east

It's not just the top two teams in the east facing off at Madison Square Garden tonight, it's the two best goalies in the league right now.

Henrik Lundqvist leads the league in three out of the four major goaltending categories: save percentage, goals against average and wins (tied with Braden Holtby). Although Carey Price's numbers are meaningless, due to his recent injury, the Habs' goalie is recognized as elite, to say the least.

The Canadiens and the Rangers are a marquee matchup as powerhouses in the east and due to the bad blood formed through recent playoff runs.

The Rangers are looking for a tenth straight win at home tonight and have lost just three games in regulation this season. One was to the Canadiens at the Bell Centre home opener. The Habs will be looking to put a stop to the Rangers home streak tonight.

2. DSP up top 

We finally found out what it takes to stop a force of nature like Brendan Gallagher.

The Habs spark plug will miss six weeks after breaking two fingers blocking a shot. Sob. Gallagher is one of the most entertaining players to watch, and what he brings to the table is irreplaceable.

Stepping in, at least to start the game, is Devante Smith-Pelly, who will get a chance to play with top line players Tomas Plekanec and Max Pacioretty.

When I asked how he plans to replicate the Gallagher 'irritation factor,' he said, "Just get in the crease, I guess, and smile every time you get hit in the head."

Well played, Devo, well played. 

3. Best dressed: Lundqvist vs. Subban

This may be billed as a Lundqvist vs. Price showdown, but for those of us who also love fashion, this is also a Lundqvist vs. Subban matchup.

These two guys have to be my favourite dressers in the entire league. (An honourable mention for Habs GM Marc Bergevin, who just signed a contract extension giving us a few more years to marvel at his suit choices.)

I am hoping they show the teams' walk-ins on television, because, I assure you, Subban steps it up when he is in NYC, and Lundqvist always brings his A-game – be it a slick suit for post-game interviews or a t-shirt paired with the perfect leather jacket.

And like any good monarch, King Henrik knows how to accessorize. Considering the guy would look good wearing a paper bag, you have to give him props for making the effort. And, if it makes you feel better, he was not always the well put together man you will see walking into the rink tonight. 

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