Thanks to Chicago's totally unexpected victory over the Penguins last night in Pittsburgh, an Islanders win over the Canadiens will capture the elusive Wild Card berth for Lane Lambert's skaters.
Masters of Montreal. That's a must-result for the New York Islanders tonight at UBS Arena in this the final game of the regular season for the determined Nassaumen.
Thanks to Chicago's totally unexpected victory over the Penguins last night in Pittsburgh, a win over the Canadiens will -- once and for all -- capture the elusive Wild Card berth for Lane Lambert's skaters.
What better way to erase the memory of the ignominious 5-2 defeat Monday night in Washington?
But that's history: Tonight's the night, featuring a bottom-feeding Habs outfit that should be beatable yet has given New York big-time trouble in the past.
With a 31-43-6 record, Montreal sits 23 points behind the Isles. Having finished with the worst record in the league last year, coach Martin St.Louis' club has spent this entire season in a rebuild mode.
The challenge has been immense starting with the season-long -- likely permanent -- absence of iconic goalie Carey Price.
Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, and Cole Caufield have been the scoring aces while defenseman Mike Matheson's offensive instincts have placed him fourth on his club's scoring list.
Minus Price, Samuel Montembeault has been the steadiest of the Hab goalies while Cayden Primeau is eyeing a regular roster spot for next season.
Meanwhile, the home club should be stimulated by the energized Elmont crowd and super-motivated by the urgency of the standings. Not to mention the urge to use this 82nd game as redemption.
One other -- and terribly important bit of business -- Islanders goaltending.
Ilya Sorokin relinquishing three first-period goals at Capital One Arena was totally out of character for a netminder who has been mentioned as a Vezina Trophy candidate.
Granted that the usually reliable Russian may have been feeling the strain of overwork or simply the pressure of the moment. Still, he came back strong in the second and third periods but, by then, the game was irretrievable.
Tonight we should see a refreshed, determined Ilya.
It's also an opportunity for the oft-disappointing power play to find its groove. Wouldn't it be just wonderful if it got in synch tonight and produced enough to lead to victory? Sure would!
There can be no excuses -- none at all -- for an Isles lack of energy right up and down the line; not to mention the return of defenders Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech to Grade A form.
But more than anything the big scorers must deliver. It's always gratifying to see grit guys like Casey Cizikas and Hudson Fasching ignite red lights but tonight should also be the night for Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, Bo Horvat, Zach Parise and Kyle Palmieri to offensively do what they do best.
The coaching staff must ensure that the club understands Montreal's potential for winning; not to mention the need for a return of Islanders swagger, confidence and ability to get the job done once and for all.
Chicago did New York a big favor. Tonight will be the time to parlay the Blackhawks noble effort with an Islanders win!
The victory is there for the taking, but it must be earned! No more, no less.