New York Islanders Win Playoff Type Game v. Montreal Canadiens 2-1: Highlights, 3 Stars

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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 29: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-0.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Highlight of the Night

Mathew Barzal Feeds Anders Lee

The Canadiens were able to keep a better Islanders team at bay and frustrated them by scoring one for themselves. But near the end of the third period, the Islanders started to dial up the pressure.

It all paid off when Mathew Barzal found himself charging up ice with Anders Lee skating up the left-wing. With only Jeff Petrie to defend the Islanders forwards.

Carey Price did as much as he could on the play, but there wasn’t much he could actually do to stop this 2-on-1 from going into the back of his net.

Barzal has the presence of mind to take a look, slow down and then puts the puck between Petrie’s legs to find Anders Lee who sinks his 25th goal of the season.

That was Lee’s second goal in two nights and marked the third season where he’s scored at least 25 goals. With another 12 games to go, you have to think Lee adds to that and maybe creeps up to 30?

For Mathew Barzal, the assist marks his fourth point in four games. The Barzal we knew seems to be back. And how about the ability to get Petrie to open up his “five-hole” to feed Lee the puck.