Every Tuesday, The New York Times will look at the week ahead in the N.H.L., highlighting hot — or not so hot — teams and players.
Montreal Canadiens vs. New York/New Jersey, Wednesday-Saturday
After sweeping the Islanders last weekend, the Canadiens visit Madison Square Garden on Wednesday to face the Rangers in a matchup of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. Montreal won the first meeting between the teams, 3-0, on Oct. 15. Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, the reigning Vezina and Hart Trophy winner, returned last week from an injury that kept him out for nine games, during which Montreal was 5-2-2.