New York Islanders take on Montreal Canadiens in most crucial game of season

The New York Islanders will take on the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night at UBS Arena in what could be the most crucial game of the Isles’ season.

That’s not hyperbole. It’s a reality. The game’s outcome could determine whether the Islanders continue pushing for a playoff spot, or if the team turns its sights to next season.

Entering Thursday night’s action, the Islanders are three points behind the Canadiens for the final NHL playoff spot. With a regulation win, the Isles move to within one point of that final wildcard spot.

An overtime win means the Islanders only gain one point in the standings. While still a valuable outcome, it’s not the best one. The Isles must win in regulation to get within one win of a playoff spot.

The Canadiens have been playing their best hockey of the season after the 4 Nations Face-Off break. They were down and out earlier in the season, but have really come on lately, climbing into the Eastern Conference playoff conversation.

So, Thursday night’s game could very well determine if the Islanders have a realistic chance to make the postseason. A regulation loss against Montreal would set the Islanders back down to five points. That difference could be too much to overcome.

With that in mind, Thursday night’s game at home is the most crucial this season. The Isles will need to summon their best hockey this season to come out ahead in this key matchup.

New York Islanders looking to take the season series over Montreal Canadiens

The Islanders and Canadiens have played twice before this season, splitting the two games. On October 19, the Islanders won a 4-3 decision in the shootout. On December 3, the Canadiens won a 2-1 overtime matchup.

That leaves Thursday night’s game as the rubber match in the season series, and most importantly, a clear path toward a playoff spot for both teams. The Canadiens should enter the game flying high as they have exceeded expectations this season.

Moreover, the Canadiens have no pressure on their shoulders. Since no one really expected them to get this far, being in the playoff hunt is a bonus for Habs fans who have endured a painful rebuild over the past three seasons.

With such an important game coming up on Thursday night, the Islanders will need to get contributions up and down the lineup. It’s a winnable game. Judging from the Islanders’ last few games, they won’t go down quietly.

Don’t be surprised if this Islanders-Canadiens matchup goes into overtime as both teams won’t want to give up an inch. There’s a lot riding on this game, potentially breaking either team’s seasons.