NEW YORK -- The gamesmanship in the Eastern Conference final was raised a few more notches Saturday as two Rangers assistant coaches showed up to watch Montreal practice.

When Canadiens goalie coach Stephane Waite noticed the break in protocol, he told head coach Michel Therrien.

As the players stretched, Therrien moved down the rink and had words with Rangers assistant Ulf Samuelsson. He and fellow assistant Dan Lacroix left soon after.

New York president and GM Glen Sather watched the practice from one of the top rows of the lower bowl at Madison Square Garden, seemingly more interested in his phone than what was happening on the ice.

Therrien told reporters later there was a "gentleman's agreement" that rival coaches don't attend practices on non-game days.

The Habs hope to even the series at two games each Sunday night at Madison Square Garden.