The Upshot: The NY Islanders beat Habs in OT inching closer to postseason

HOW IT HAPPENED

The NY Islanders are on the cusp of securing a place in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs with their 3-2 OT win against the Montreal Canadiens. The Islanders found themselves trailing as they have all season against the Habs, as Jordan Harris put a knuckle puck past Semyon Varlamov in the first period. Struggling in the second period all season, the Isles dominated the second frame outshooting Montreal 14-5, including a game-tying goal from Pierre Engvall. Cole Caufield slipped a puck through the legs of Varlamov in the third to give the Habs the lead again, but a Casey Cizikas wrap-around knotted things up at three. Heading into overtime, Kyle Palmieri played hero again, squeezing a puck between the post and Samuel Montembault to give the Isles the second point.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The Isles haven't been great when playing from behind this season, but tonight they battled back both times they were trailing. Varlamov wasn't overworked on the night, but the saves he made were high-danger opportunities, keeping the Isles within striking distance. The Isles didn't allow much space for Montreal in their own zone and stayed out of the penalty box all night aside from JG Pageau's fighting major.

WHAT WENT WRONG

While there's jubilation throughout Islanders country to pick up a valuable two points, the big concern surrounds the health of Noah Dobson, who exited the game with what Patrick Roy is calling an upper-body injury. Dobson played just three shifts for 1:28 before heading to the locker room where he'd remain for the duration of the game. Mat Barzal came up limping after taking a hit from Michael Pezzetta but at the same time, Dobson disappeared down the tunnel. The Isles' power play struggled mightily without their top blueliner, totaling only three shots on four opportunities.

STATS OF GAME

• In three matchups with Montreal this season, the Isles never led for a single second of game-time.

• This is the first time since 1983-84 the Islanders have had multiple 6-game win streaks in a single season

• The Islanders allowed just 15 shots on goal tonight, the second-fewest of the season. The 31 shot attempts allowed are the fewest of the season.

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENT OF THE GAME

Isles radio announcer Chris King gives us one of his patented goal calls after Palmieri's game-winner.

WHAT"S NEXT

The Isles travel to Madison Square Garden to take on the NY Rangers for the second time this week, Puck drop is scheduled for 12:30 pm on ABC.