The Montreal Canadiens (43-21-10) will face the New York Rangers (31-35-9) on Thursday night, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

This will be the third and last time these teams will face each other, with Rangers having won both the previous matches. They were relatively close games, with New York emerging with wins 4–3 in October and 5–4 in December. A lot has changed since then. The Canadiens are close to qualifying for the playoffs, while the Rangers were the second team to be officially eliminated from playoff contention.

As far as Thursday’s meeting is concerned, we can expect another high-scoring affair from the Habs. With 3.31 goals per game (all situations), the Canadiens are third in the NHL in G/PG, while the Rangers are a bottom-12 team in goals allowed (3.09). That being said, the Canadiens are also allowing roughly the same amount of goals per game, a good reminder that the team needs to strengthen its defensive game before the playoffs begin.

Goals are fun, and comebacks are entertaining, but a seven-game series is an entirely different animal. Defensive opponents are quickly taken advantage of.

Lineup Changes

Rookie netminder Jacob Fowler will face the Rangers looking for their third straight win. It should also be noted that Fowler and Jacob Dobbs both now have save percentages above .900, a complete reversal in goaltending fortunes in Montreal. The first-year goaltenders deserve a lot of credit, but the team’s new goaltending guru Marco Marciano also deserves credit.

Since Marciano’s arrival, the numbers have continued to improve, to the point where it would be fair to suggest that hiring him in Montreal could have saved the season.

Three injured players took the ice Thursday morning, but Kirby Dach, Alexandre Carrier and Alexandre Texier are not expected to be in uniform as the Canadiens take on the Rangers.

Alexandre Carriere, Alexandre Texier and Kirby Dach are on the ice in full equipment this morning in Brossard.@DLCoulisses #GoHabsGo #Roof #carrier #texier pic.twitter.com/TVc0j0lup2

– Patrick Guillet (@PatGuillet) 2 April 2026

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Cole Coffield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkowski

Alex Newhook – Oliver Kapanen – Ivan Demidov

Zach Bolduc – Jake Evans – Josh Anderson

Joe Veleno – Philip Danault – Brendan Gallagher

Mike Matheson – Noah Dobson

Jaden Struble- Lane Hutson

Caden Guhle – Arbor Zekaj

jacob fowler

New York Rangers projected lineup

Gabe Perreault – Mika Zibanejad – Alexis Lafreniere

Ty Carthaye – JT Miller – Connor Sherry

Will Quayle – Vincent Trocheck – Adam Sikora

Johnny Brodzinski – Noah Laba – Jaroslav Chmeler

Vladislav Gavrikov – Adam Fox

Drew Fortescue – Braden Schneider

Matthew Robertson – Will Borgen

Igor Shesterkin

How to watch Hubs Vs. rangers

Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Rangers on Thursday, April 2, 2026 will be broadcast on RDS and TSN2. A quick recap with highlights will be available on SportsNote once the final whistle blows.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

#Fowler #starts #injured #skaters #ready

Every Indian Skater’s Story: That One Kid Who Skates Every Day 😂

If you grew up in an Indian neighborhood, you know the sound. It’s a rhythmic clack-clack-clack echoing against the pavement. You look out your balcony, and there he is—the “Nukkad ka Skater.” Whether it’s 40-degree heat in Delhi or a humid evening in Mumbai, this kid is inseparable from his wheels. This is the heart-warming and hilarious reality of the Indian skating subculture.

The “Skating Every Day” Obsession

Every Indian colony has that one legend. While other kids are busy playing gully cricket or football, this kid is perfecting his crossover on a road filled with potholes and wandering cows. His knees are permanently scabbed, his skates are held together by “jugaad” (and maybe some cello tape), and his mother is tired of shouting, “Ghutne tudwa ke aayega ek din!” (You’ll break your knees one day!).

For these kids, skating isn’t just a hobby; it’s a personality trait. They skate to the grocery store to buy milk, they skate to their tuition classes, and they definitely skate until the streetlights flicker on and their parents start calling them for dinner.

From the Street to the Hockey Rink

In India, the transition from being a recreational skater to a Roller Hockey player is a classic rite of passage. Most Indian skaters start with quadruple-wheel “disco” skates before moving to inlines. Once they master the speed, they find a hockey stick (often a wooden one that has seen better days) and a ball.

Indian Roller Hockey is a unique beast. Unlike the ice hockey seen in the West, our version is played on concrete or marble rinks. It involves incredible stamina and a level of grit that can only be developed by practicing on Indian roads. The “One Kid Who Skates Every Day” eventually becomes the backbone of his local hockey team, showing off stick-handling skills that make his neighbors stop and stare.

The Struggles Only Indian Skaters Understand

• The Pothole Trap: Avoiding a pothole at high speed requires the reflexes of a ninja.
• The “Stray Dog” Pursuit: Nothing makes you skate faster than a local dog deciding to chase your spinning wheels.
• The Marble Floor Dream: Finding a smooth, polished marble floor (like at a local temple or community hall) feels like finding gold.
• The Equipment Struggle: Trying to explain to your parents why you need expensive “Nivia” or “Hyper” wheels instead of the local market ones.

Conclusion

The story of the kid who skates every day is a testament to the rising sports culture in India. From being a “nuisance” on the street to representing the country in Roller Hockey championships, these skaters embody passion and perseverance. Whether they are dodging traffic or scoring goals in a rink, they remind us that all you need is a pair of wheels and a bit of “jigra” to fly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Roller Hockey popular in India?

Roller Hockey is popular because it is more accessible than Ice Hockey in our climate. Many schools and sports clubs across India have dedicated concrete rinks for the sport, making it a favorite for young athletes.

2. What are the best skates for beginners in India?

For beginners practicing on Indian roads, Quad Skates (four wheels) offer better balance. However, if you plan to move into hockey or speed skating, Inline Skates with durable polyurethane (PU) wheels are recommended to handle rougher surfaces.

3. Is skating a recognized sport in India?

Yes, the Roller Skating Federation of India (RSFI) is the national governing body recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. They conduct national championships for Speed Skating, Roller Hockey, and Artistic Skating.

4. At what age can kids start skating in India?

Most coaches recommend starting as early as 4 or 5 years old. At this age, children have a lower center of gravity, which helps them learn balance quickly.

5. How can I join a Roller Hockey team?

The best way is to visit your local district stadium or private sports academy. Most cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, Ludhiana, and Pune have thriving hockey clubs that welcome new players.