Just nine games are left in the schedules of the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders. While New York is comfortably in a playoff position, they’ve struggled of late and have watched the Washington Capitals overtake them for first in the Metropolitan Division. With that, the Islanders are at risk of losing home ice advantage in the playoffs. Montreal, on the other hand, is fighting for their playoff lives. They’ve lost some important games in the last two weeks, and at press, sit one point behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Wild Card spot in the East.
New York has benefitted from stellar play from their second-string goaltender, Thomas Greiss, while starter Robin Lehner was out with injury. Lehner returned on Wednesday, but gave up five goals to the Boston Bruins. Could this be the start of a goaltending controversy in the final weeks of the regular season for the Isles?
At the other end of the ice, Montreal will look to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the same Islanders team just one week ago – a game that the Habs would have picked up points in if not for a last-minute turnover resulting in a New York goal in the third period. Tune in for the 7:30 PM ET puck drop in what should be a playoff-like game.
