3 difference-makers in Rangers-Canadiens series

The Montreal Canadiens will get a chance to exact some revenge when they take on the New York Rangers in the first round of the NHL playoffs.

The two will face off in the postseason for the first time since the Rangers ousted the Canadiens in six games in the 2014 Eastern Conference Final.

There's a lot on the line and - like any playoff series - there are sure to be a number of players who will help tip the scales in either direction.

Here are three players who could make a difference in this first-round matchup:

Shea Weber

You may have thought it was all behind us, but no, the P.K. Subban-Weber trade deserves to be brought up once again.

The deal that had many Montreal faithful up in arms looks to have paid off - at least for the time being. The Canadiens clinched a postseason berth after missing out last season, while Weber has also bested Subban with seven more goals and four more points this season while playing in 14 more games.

The reason the trade is worth bringing up again is because, during his time in Montreal, Subban played some really inspired playoff hockey.

Subban has 11 goals and 38 points in 55 career playoff games, and who could forget his incredible display against the Boston Bruins during the team's 2014 run.

Weber won't be forced to match Subban's production, but like the man he was traded for, he will be looked at to be a difference-maker for the Canadiens.

Henrik Lundqvist

Much like Subban, Lundqvist has historically been a gamer who brings his best to the postseason.

The Rangers netminder has a career .921 save percentage and a 2.28 goals-against average over 116 playoff games. Meanwhile, he's been among the most consistent goaltenders since his NHL debut in 2006.

However, recently there have been more question marks surrounding the 35-year-old. Lundqvist had his worst season statistically, with a .910 save percentage and a 2.74 goals-against average, both career lows.

Not to mention Lundqvist was also lit up in the postseason last year by the Pittsburgh Penguins who delivered the King a ghastly 4.39 goals-against average over five games.

The Rangers playoff lives could rest heavily on Lundqvist, which would depend on what version of the King shows up.

Carey Price

Price could be the difference-maker if he does Carey Price-like things.

While Price has had had a couple questionable stints this season, for the most part he's been his usual consistent self and at the moment he's playing some of his best hockey of the year.

The 29-year-old has gone 5-2-0 in his last seven games with a .944 save percentage and a 1.58 goals-against average, allowing more than two goals in a game just once.

For the Canadiens, Price's presence will be huge, especially in the revenge storyline as Canadiens fans probably recall that, in 2014, Price played just 40 minutes in the series against the Rangers before bowing out due to injury, leaving Dustin Tokarski and Peter Budaj to fill the void.

It's hard to say if he could have propelled the team to a series win, but one thing is certain: the Canadiens likely don't stand a chance without Price between the pipes this time.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)