Finally, the Rangers play host to the Canadiens for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final. At what should be a raucous environment at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers look to continue a run that’s seen them win five consecutive postseason games. They’ve outscored the Pens and Canadiens 20-6 putting them within two victories of making their first Stanley Cup appearance in 20 years.

With all the hoopla surrounding them, they must be careful to guard against a letdown. It’s felt like ages since the two teams have played. It was on Monday that the Rangers backed by Henrik Lundqvist’s 40 saves defeated the Canadiens 3-1 to sweep the first two games at Bell Centre. With a layoff preempting the third round series from resuming, much talk has centered around Lundqvist. His brilliance has seen him stop 162 of the last 168 shots during the five-game run.

Frustrated after taking 18 shots with half making the net, Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban called Lundqvist ‘lucky.’ At this time of year, you do need a little luck to be successful. Obviously, the former Norris winner is trying to fire up his team after they controlled play in Game 2 but didn’t get the breaks coach Michel Therrien referenced. If they continue to get that amount of pressure, Subban’s right. They’ll start going in.

Having an extra day off to prepare probably helps the Canadiens. It also can halt the Rangers’ momentum. When they take the ice after 8 PM, they can’t allow a desperate opponent to turn the tide. As they already know, any series can change quickly. In the first two games, Montreal has only led for 17 seconds with Max Pacioretty’s goal followed up by Ryan McDonagh’s bank shot off Josh Gorges that Dustin Tokarski had no chance on. Sometimes, you do get bounces. But as Brian Boyle noted, you make your own breaks.

One reason they’re in good position is special teams. The power play is 4-for-10 and the penalty kill is a perfect 7-for-7 against one of the most lethal units. That development wasn’t expected. It’s been the execution of a revitalized Rangers power play featuring Chris Kreider that’s taken advantage of the Habs. Able to move the puck efficiently and get traffic in front, they’ve gotten it done. The discipline of their penalty killers has been equally impressive. While it’s impossible to prevent Subban from bombing away at the point, they’ve kept most of the chances to the outside. When they’ve gotten in trouble, Lundqvist has bailed them out.

With Therrien opting to stick with Tokarski, he’s viewing his playoff debut the same way I have. He wasn’t to blame for any of the three goals and made quality stops that gave his team a chance. The Rangers must make his life difficult. Move him side to side and attempt shots from different angles while getting bodies to the net. As coach Alain Vigneault has pointed out, the challenge remains the same. Do what they have to be successful.

There will be plenty of energy at MSG. An experienced group who’s been through the playoff grind can’t take it for granted. In 2012, the Blueshirts led the Devils 2-1 but never won another game. The pain from that crushing defeat hasn’t been lost on the remaining 10 players. Brad Richards drove a point home about how hard it is to get back. He and Martin St. Louis have never been to another Cup Final since winning together 10 years ago. Lundqvist was also quick to point out how he felt the 2012 team didn’t leave it all out there or reach its full potential, basically referencing himself.

Motivation isn’t lacking for this group that’s bonded since the sad death of St. Louis’ Mom France. They have played together as a unit and that’s what’s gotten them here. Don’t let the Habs breathe. Game 4 isn’t till Sunday. Thanks to the wacky schedule of NBC and CBC, this series will drag out. The Rangers’ task is simple. Don’t make it harder than it has to be. Feed off the energy of the crowd. Take the next step.