Islanders vs. Canadiens: Back after another break (lineups, odds, +)

The New York Islanders are back in action. Honestly. Over the last ten days, the Islanders have only played once. Once! There’s a duality of emotions at play here for fans.

On the one hand, it’s ridiculous that we’ve gone effectively two weeks with only one game. But on the other hand, these two breaks between games are perfect for the players to get a break. They’re in the middle of a marathon 13-game road trip. Getting a chance to go home for a few days is a huge bonus.

So now, they’re back on the road with three games in four days. First stop, Montreal.

Tale of the Tape

Looking at the tale of the tape, the Islanders are easily the favorite here. I’m sure you already know that though. Montreal isn’t exactly having a good season after making their run to the Stanley Cup FInal last year.

In every single facet of the game, the Islanders are better than Montreal. Which is why WynnBet has the Islanders at +185 for tonight’s game.

While the Montreal Canadiens are without a number of top players, the Islanders are expected to be 100% healthy for this game.

New York Islanders projected lineup

Lee-Barzal-Palmieri
Beauvillier-Nelson-Bailey
Parise-Pageau-Wahlstrom
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck

Pelech-Mayfield
Chara-Pulock
Greene-Dobson

Varlamov (Sorokin)

I expect Semyon Varlamov will make his first start this year. He’s had plenty of time to heal up. He’s ready to step in. This isn’t because Sorokin isn’t good enough to continue, he’s been excellent. But the Islanders have a shared crease. Time to spread the starts around.

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup

Toffoli-Suzuki-Gallagher(?)
Hoffman-Drouin(?)-Anderson
Lehkonen-Dvorak-Armia
Pezzetta-Brooks-Evans

Chiarot-Petry
Kulak-Savard
Niku-Wideman

Allen (Montembeault)

At the time of writing, there’s no word on if Jonathan Drouin will play. He took a puck to the head against the Red Wings and did not return to the game. Brendan Gallagher might play, even if he shouldn’t have played against the Red Wings. His coach said he would have had to “tie him up to prevent him from playing”. He’ll likely be in the lineup tonight, but maybe not? That’s why I’ve got a question mark there.

Where to catch the game?

TV: MSG+, MSG Go, ESPN+
Radio: 1050AM, 88.7FM, 103.9FM