In a critical phase of their season, the Montreal Canadiens are gearing up to face off against the New York Islanders tonight at UBS Arena in New York. This matchup, scheduled for 7:30 PM ET on March 20, 2025, holds immense importance as both teams push for a playoff position in the NHL Eastern Conference.
The Canadiens enter the game with confidence, having secured their wild card spot with a hard-fought victory against the Ottawa Senators just days before. With a record of 33 wins, 27 losses, and 7 overtime losses, the Canadiens are currently one point ahead of the New York Rangers in the playoff race, enjoying a solid run with a 7-1-2 record over their last ten games. In contrast, the Islanders have also shown resilience, matriculating through their past ten games with a respectable 6-3-1 record, though they remain three points behind Montreal in the race just as Patrick Roy, their head coach and former Canadiens superstar goalie, leads the charge.
This meeting marks the third and final time these two teams will square off in the regular season, with each team having claimed victory once in their previous encounters. The most recent match saw the Islanders best the Canadiens 4-2 in October, while Montreal retaliated with a narrow 2-1 win in December. Both coaches know that winning this three-point game can significantly impact their playoff standings.
"Honestly, I’m not surprised because they have a lot of talent. Hockey is played on the ice. Teams that play well find a way to win," said Roy, who has a record of 3-2 against the Canadiens since taking the helm with the Islanders. His confidence in his team, despite the challenges, reflecting their competitive spirit, even as injuries have sidelined players such as Brock Nelson, who switched to the Colorado Avalanche.
On the Canadiens' side, coach Martin St-Louis has a formidable squad at his disposal, highlighted by notable players like Alternate Captain Brendan Gallagher and rising star Nick Suzuki. Gallagher, a producer against the Islanders with 18 points in 30 games, is currently facing the emotional battle of mourning his mother, Della Gallagher, who recently passed away due to brain cancer. Everyone sympathizes with Gallagher, yet the team looks forward to rallying around him, hoping for stellar contributions as they anticipate overcoming the Islanders.
Suzuki enters the game with a hot streak, boasting 15 points in his last 13 games, while Mike Matheson mirrors that productivity with 15 points over his last 29 appearances. Other key players include the promising Cole Caufield, whose performance against the Islanders will be crucial for Montreal. Adding depth to the Islanders’ challenges, veteran forward Kyle Palmieri has managed to accumulate 22 points in 26 games against the Canadiens, while Bo Horvat and Jean-Gabriel Pageau also contribute meaningfully to New York’s offensive efforts.
As the Canadiens prepare for the game, they will need effective goalkeeping to secure their position. Samuel Montembeault’s record against the Islanders stands impressively at 4-2-3, with a 2.30 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage, though there is speculation that rookie Jakub Dobes may see some time in net to avoid overworking Montembeault. On the other hand, Ilya Sorokin has been a standout for the Islanders, maintaining a 4-0-2 record against Montreal with an outstanding 1.47 GAA and .949 save percentage.
The high stakes of this game cannot be overstated. Both teams understand that every match point is vital as they jockey for playoff position in an increasingly tight race. St. Louis expressed deep respect for Roy, acknowledging the competitive spirit his former teammate brings. "I have a lot of respect for Patrick for everything he has done in the hockey world. Now, as a coach, he is at another stage of his professional life. But he is still one of the greatest competitors. His team is like him," stated St. Louis, reflecting the mutual admiration between the two prestigious coaches.
Injury woes are also a significant factor leading into tonight's game. The Canadiens will be missing Kaiden Guhle due to a lacerated quadricep muscle, while the Islanders face their own challenges with significant players like Mathew Barzal, Semyon Varlamov, and Alexander Romanov all sidelined.
As the puck drops tonight, both teams will look to harness their recent momentum and strategic advantages. A win for the Canadiens could solidify their playoff berth while simultaneously denting the Islanders' aspirations. But a regulation win for New York could tighten the playoff race and place them just a single point behind the Canadiens. The tension is palpable, and the stakes have never been clearer. Let the game begin!
