Streaking Rangers face tough task in Montreal

GREENBURGH, N.Y -- The Rangers, winners of seven straight games, have not won eight in a row since the 1974-75 season. They can equal that feat in Montreal Saturday against the Canadiens. It would be a nice achievement, but this team's vision surpasses far more than an early-season streak.

Brian Boyle put it in historical prospective. "Our main goal is to do something that hasn't been done since '94,'' he said of the Stanley Cup-winning year. "I just want you to know what our goal is. It's November. If we get too excited about what we did the last seven games, we're not looking forward, we're looking back, and it's going to come back and bite us."

Derek Stepan added, "I don't think guys are sitting and [saying], 'We need to get the eighth one.' I don't think anyone is really looking at a winning streak or anything like that, but obviously, we want to continue to win.''

John Tortorella looks for winning-plus. "If we're going to have a chance against Montreal, we're going to have to play better than we did against the Islanders,'' the coach said after practice yesterday. "So I think that's the mindset that everybody has, each day trying to stay consistent and work on our game.''

The Rangers hadn't won seven straight since October 2009, then fizzled with three straight losses to the Sharks, Devils and Canadiens. Montreal has been a difficult venue for the Rangers recently and historically. They are 0-4-1 in their last five meetings in Montreal. The Rangers' last victory in Montreal was a 4-3 shootout win on March 17, 2009. Their all-time record on the road against the Canadiens is 64-195-40-2. At the Garden, the Rangers hold a 127-123-54-1 edge, which includes a win earlier this month.

"It's a tough game coming up,'' Marian Gaborik said. "It's always a great atmosphere up there."

Tortorella did not reveal his plans for the lineup but did say he sees no reason to necessarily keep everything in place because of the streak. Backup goalie Martin Biron will be ready if called upon.

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"Montreal is kind of like us,'' Biron said. "An Original Six, a lot of fan support, a lot of history. It's a great place to play but a tough atmosphere, and you have to be at the top of your game when you go in.

"Obviously, we had a lot of road games to start the season, to set us up. As of late, we played some good hockey. The success we've had helped us at home and on the road. Really, the key is to try and keep it going the same direction regardless of where you are.''