Montreal Canadiens (+153) at New York Rangers (-168)

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – Game 3 Thursday, 8:00pm ET
Rangers Lead Series 2-0

The confident Rangers head back to Madison Square Garden with their fans feeling good. The New York crowd is ready to celebrate, as their red hot Rangers have won five games in a row and try to go up 3-0 in the series on the Habs. There will certainly be positive energy in MSG because this is the first time in 15 games, going back to Game 2 in the first round against the Flyers, in which they have a series lead at home.

"It's a good feeling, but we know we've accomplished nothing yet," forward Martin St. Louis said. "We're trying to prepare for a Montreal team that's going to come out with a lot of energy. We know that. This is a big game for everybody. We know where the series is, and it's a big opportunity for us."

The Candiens are +153 underdogs on the money line and expect them to be playing as if it were an elimination game. It's pretty much now or never. While there was much despair for Habs supporters when they lost their top-five goalie, Carey Price to injury, his replacement Dustin Tokarski is capable of getting the job done. In Game 2, Tokarski stopped 25 of 27 shots at even strength, and allowed one of two with the Rangers on the power-play. Even though Montreal lost the game 3-1, the 24-year-old goaltender should keep his head up; two of the three goals were completely unstoppable.

Montreal has showed some signs of hope with scoring momentum from forwards, Max Pacioretty and Lars Eller, who have three goals and three points in the last four games respectively. On the other hand, first line forward, Thomas Vanek, may be looking at a demotion because he was practicing with the fourth line yesterday as a result of having no points and a minus-3 rating in this series.

Henrik Lundqvist is in the zone and has been fantastic for the Rangers. The Canadiens will have to get him out of his rhythm by going away from the short inside shots and work him hard below the goal line so they can get Lundqvist turned and caught off guard from what is happening in front of the net.

This is easier said than done because maybe there is nothing that can be done to stop "King Henrik," who is playing the best hockey of his life. MSG will be rocking and the Rangers will continue rolling on their winning streak.

* Betting lines mentioned in this article are subject to change due to time sensitivity. Please visit the sports betting lines for up to date odds.