NEW YORK | The Islanders had one last chance to qualify for the playoffs and they weren’t planning on missing it. Especially once morest a formation, like the Habs, decimated by injuries.
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AFP photo
Despite several good saves from Samuel Montembeault (including this sequence in the second period once morest Anders Lee), the Canadian was knocked down by the Islanders on Wednesday.
Inside a jubilant UBS Arena, Samuel Montembeault and the Canadian tried, somehow, to resist. However, led by a brace from Brock Nelson, their leading scorer, the Islanders won 4-2.
Penguins eliminated
By losing for the sixth time in its last seven games, the Habs indirectly participated in the elimination of the Pittsburgh Penguins. This is the first playoff exclusion in 17 years for Sidney Crosby and his gang.
Moreover, it was necessary to go back to the rookie season of the captain to witness a spring without hockey in the city of Steel.
“We knew the Islanders needed a single point to make the playoffs. We knew the kind of energy they were going to deploy, indicated Nick Suzuki. We did our best to match this level of intensity. It’s probably one of the best games we’ve played lately. »
inspiring suzuki
In addition to playing with the energy of desperation, the Islanders have been smart. Leading by a goal as the third period began, they retreated, making sure to defend their territory well.
“You see that this is a team that is used to playing ahead, pointed out Montembeault. Despite the stakes, even though they had a slim one-goal lead, they didn’t panic. At one point, we only had one shot in the third. »
The Islanders would probably have breathed a little better during this engagement if Suzuki hadn’t scored his third shorthanded goal of the season.
If there’s anyone who won’t ease up until the last sound of the siren is heard, it’s him.
“Nick doesn’t wear the C for nothing. He is an example for everyone. Every time he comes to the arena, he’s the best player on the ice. It’s fun to see him be consistent for 82 games,” boasted Montembeault.
What we noticed…
HAPPINESS ONE-HAIR TEASDALE
Recalled on Tuesday, Joël Teasdale was playing his first game in the NHL. He saw action for 10:18. Although he was on the ice for two Islanders goals, the night went well overall. He came within a hair’s breadth of scoring. His shot hit the post. It would have been quite a denouement for the streak he himself had created by causing a turnover in the Islanders zone thanks to his forecheck.
BOLDUC SURPRISED BY SUZUKI
Teasdale’s teammate for a season and a half with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, Samuel Bolduc faced the Canadiens for the first time. He had a front row seat to see Nick Suzuki’s accelerating force. The captain of the Canadiens beat him to score the Habs’ seventh goal short of a man this season.
ENDLESS PRESENCE
The second period started rather badly for Suzuki and Joel Armia. Bottled up in their territory, Suzuki (1 min 43 s) and Armia (2 min 5 s) had no choice but to stretch their presence. Luckily, the streak ended with a shot at Bo Horvat’s post.
NELSON KEEPS THE PACE
Brock Nelson doesn’t seem too affected by the full visor he’s been wearing since Noel Acciari of the Maple Leafs made him kiss the boards three weeks ago. In 10 games with this special protector, he scored six goals and added four assists.
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S Montembeault
As is often the case lately, Samuel Montembeault had to show himself in impeccable form to allow his team to stay in the game. Particularly during the second period, when he faced 18 shots
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Brendan Gallagher
The veteran was obliterated for much of the game The highlight of his game was the knee he delivered to Hudson Fasching in the final part of the second period He was only used for just over 12 minutes
First period
1-NYI: Brock Nelson (35) (Palmieri, Pelech)10:26
2-Mon: Rem Pitlick (6) (Evans)17:38
3-NYI: Hudson Mardi Gras (10) (Parise, Pageau)18:57
Punishments: No punishment
Second period
4-NYI: Brock Nelson (36) (Dobson, Mayfield)10:20
5-Mon: Nick Suzuki (25) (Unaided)DN-16:38
Penalties: Edmundson (Mon) 2:58, Gallagher (Mon) 15:18, Pageau (NYI) 15:18, Gallagher (Mon) 15:18, Lee (NYI) 16:55
Third period
6-NOT: Anders Lee (28) (Aho, Dobson)AN-16:00
Penalties: Hoffman (Mon) 15:15
Shoot to the net
Montreal 8 – 6 – 5 – 19 Islanders NY 10 – 18 – 7 – 35
Guardians:
Mon: Samuel Montembeault (P, 16-18-3) N: Ilya Sorokin (G, 31-22-7)
Numerical advantages:
Mon: 0 to 1, NYI: 1 to 3
Referees:
Eric Furlatt, Kendrick Nicholson
Linesmen:
Devin Berg, Shandor Alphonso
ASSISTANCE:
17 255
Jean-Gabriel Pageau
★★★
