Rangers versus Canadiens is the oldest live rivalry either club has, and the Garden crowd treats it with an intensity that a mid-November date does not otherwise earn. Montreal supporters travel in numbers, which turns the upper bowl into a genuine two-sided room. If you want a hockey night with history attached rather than just two points, take this over a generic weeknight fixture.
What to expect
A full building with an audible Montreal presence, and the Rangers' anthem tradition getting a louder-than-usual response. Warm-ups begin roughly half an hour ahead and are the best chance to see both rosters up close. The Chase Bridges give a strange overhead perspective if you want something other than a standard bowl seat.
Good to know
- Nearest trains: A, C, E, 1, 2 or 3 to 34th St-Penn Station, which lets out directly beneath the arena
- Madison Square Garden runs a clear-bag policy with small clutches allowed, so travel light and skip backpacks
- Warm-ups start about half an hour before puck drop and are worth arriving for
- Lower-bowl ends behind the goal the Rangers attack twice see the most sustained pressure
- Elevators and accessible seating are on every level; ask a guest services host at the Seventh Avenue entrance
- Expect a loud visiting contingent, so wear colours only if you enjoy the banter
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Common questions
How many times do the Canadiens visit the Garden?
Once. The NHL's published Rangers schedule lists a single Montreal game in Manhattan this season.
What is the Original Six?
The six NHL clubs that made up the league from 1942 to 1967, including the Rangers and Canadiens.
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