The Rangers are going to have to concentrate intently on the task at hand tonight. There will be a ton of emotion in Montreal for the jersey retirement ceremony of Bernie "Boom-Boom" Geoffrion's number 5. It might not have been such a big deal, except for the fact that Bernie died this morning after a short battle with stomach cancer. As per his wishes, the family will attend the ceremony at the Bell Centre before the game against the Rangers.

The Blueshirts are going to have stay focused and play the role of spoilers for the evening. They are on a three game losing streak, and have taken only 3 of a possible 8 points since the Olympic break. They need to get back on track now, because the schedule doesn't give them many breaks.

Marek Malik and Petr Prucha both skated yesterday, and while Malik may return tonight, Prucha will take one more day off and could return to the lineup against Carolina tomorrow. If Malik can't go, Jason Strudwick will play again, as Thomas Pöck was returned to Hartford.

Sandis Ozolinsh joined the team for the first time, even though he only got three hours sleep traveling across the country. He said all the right things, and expects to go easy at first while he becomes familiar with the Rangers' system.

NY Post: "I can give some offensive support and I'm not a liability on the defensive side," said Ozolinsh, who arrived at practice on just three hours of sleep after traveling all night. "I'm looking forward to getting on the ice for the first game."

NY Newsday: In joining a team that needs a booming shot from the blue line on its 17th-ranked power play, "I'll feel a little pressure," Ozolinsh said, but he won't "try to do too much right away. I'll take my time and figure out things, don't try to squeeze the puck in where it's not supposed to go, don't try to be too offensive by jumping into the play on every rush, and not be a liability on defense. It's really about picking your spots."

The Journal News: Prucha participated in a full practice with contact for the first time since spraining his right MCL Feb. 4. He could play tonight, but the Czech rookie sounded doubtful. "I don't feel pain in my knee, it's OK," said Prucha, who skated with center Blair Betts and Jason Ward. "I don't have much power in my legs. Battling in the corner, I'm not so powerful like before. I must get more workouts in the gym. I don't have to rush it. I think one more game and I'll be good."

The Hartford Wolf Pack did not have a good game last night against the Springfield Falcons, losing 2-1. Thomas Pöck took a stupid spearing penalty with under five minutes to play, negating any chance the Pack had to pull the goaltender in an attempt to tie the game.

Tonight, the Rangers face the Canadiens in Montreal. The puck drops at 7:00 pm EST. Enjoy the game.

HDH

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