In a game that marked Patrick Roy’s return to Montreal as the Islanders’ coach, the Canadiens secured a 4-3 victory over New York with Sean Monahan scoring the decisive goal with just 2:12 remaining in regulation. The Islanders faced a 3-1 deficit when Montreal’s Brendan Gallagher incurred a match penalty for elbowing Adam Pelech in the head with 8:08 left in the third period. This led to a five-minute power play for the Islanders, during which Mathew Barzal and Kyle Palmieri capitalized, tying the game. However, Monahan’s late-game heroics, off a turnover in the Islanders’ own zone, secured the win for Montreal.
Goaltender Sam Montembeault played a crucial role, making 43 saves and surviving a late flurry from the Islanders, helping the Canadiens snap a three-game losing streak. Monahan’s two goals, along with contributions from Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, who each had a goal and an assist, powered Montreal’s offensive effort. Despite the Islanders’ push, Semyon Varlamov’s 22 saves weren’t enough to secure the win for New York.
The Islanders, now 1-2-0 under Patrick Roy, who recently took over as coach, faced adversity when trailing by two goals in the third period. Roy, a Canadiens legend, was greeted with fanfare, but the Islanders couldn’t secure a victory in his return to Montreal.
Montreal initiated the scoring on a power play, with Suzuki finding the net at 7:06 of the first period. Another turnover by the Islanders led to Caufield’s goal, extending his points streak to six games. Monahan then converted a power-play opportunity just 43 seconds later.
The Islanders responded in the second period with Bo Horvat scoring during a five-on-three power play. However, despite their efforts, New York couldn’t overcome Montreal’s lead.
The victory for the Canadiens was a significant relief, ending their losing streak and providing a memorable moment in Patrick Roy’s return. The Islanders, on the other hand, find themselves in a challenging 1-5-1 stretch. The game highlighted the resilience of Montreal, the impact of Monahan’s goals, and the spirited return of Roy to the Montreal hockey scene.
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