The team from New York is once again fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Currently, the Islanders are in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, just 3 points behind the top eight. This season has been challenging for the Islanders: they went through a rough patch in February, but since March, they’ve been improving. In their most recent games, the team, led by Patrick Roy, defeated Pittsburgh (4-2) and scored an important psychological win over Florida (4-2).
It’s noteworthy that the Islanders are still the lowest-scoring team in the East, but their attacking play has been noticeably more effective in the last few matches. The main source of scoring chances is team captain Anders Lee (25 goals, 21 assists). However, despite the improvement, the team still struggles with finishing chances.
Injuries and Suspensions:
The Montreal Canadiens are also actively fighting for a playoff spot this season, currently sitting in 8th place in the Eastern Conference with 73 points from 67 games. Although they are just one point ahead of the Rangers, the team from Quebec is in excellent form since February and has lost only one game in regulation time since then.
A standout feature of the Canadiens’ play is their attacking game. In the last four matches, they scored 17 goals, averaging more than four goals per game. Captain Nick Suzuki continues to impress: with 70 points (21 goals, 49 assists), he remains the driving force behind the attack.
Injuries and Suspensions: Kirby Dach, Kaiden Guhle, and Carey Price will not travel to New York.
While the Islanders have improved their game, they still face problems in attack, and the absence of key players like Barzal and Varlamov may weaken the team. On the other hand, Montreal is in excellent form and continues to score confidently. Their attack looks much more dangerous, and having Suzuki in the lineup adds confidence.
Additionally, the Canadiens seem stronger in attack and are not as vulnerable defensively as the Islanders. All of this gives Montreal the advantage in the upcoming match.
Match Prediction: Montreal will win with a predicted score of 4:2. The Habs are in great offensive form, having scored 17 goals in the last four games, and have had a stable performance since February. While the Islanders struggle with the implementation and the absence of key players, which may weaken their chances in the upcoming match. Montreal, with a strong Suzuki in attack, will dominate this match.
Place your bets with the odds of 2.12
