Bruised New York Islanders face tough test in Montreal
Feb 19, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Jason Chimera (25) celebrates his goal during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Barclays Center. New York Islanders won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The last time these two squads met, the Islanders ended a long losing streak against the Canadiens that went back three seasons. The Islanders haven’t beaten the Habs at home since the 13-14 season with Evgeni Nabokov in goal. They’ll look to change that tonight.

  • New York Islanders (28-21-10)
  • Montreal Canadiens (32-20-8)
  • 7:30 p.m., MSG+, WRHU
  • Centre Bell, Montreal, QC

Bruised but not beaten

The New York Islanders have been dealt a couple of blows since the physical win over Detroit on Tuesday night.

Shane Prince‘s injury is worse than initially thought and was placed on the Injured reserve. Bracken Kearns will make his season debut for the New York Islanders, likely slotting in on the fourth line with Stephen Gionta and Nikolay Kulemin.

Kearns is an AHL veteran who, at 35, has spent 25 NHL games with San Jose in 13-14 and just two games with the Islanders last season. He has 40 points in 51 games this season for Bridgeport.

Fans yearning to see Michael Dal Colle or Josh Ho-Sang in the majors will have to wait until the trade deadline when the rosters expand, or if another serious blow is dealt to the Isles.

It doesn’t make sense to call up two integral parts of the Islanders future to fill a fourth line role for what could end up being only a few games. That’s why the Islanders signed guys like Kearns and Steve Bernier to two-way deals.

Additionally, the Islanders also added Connor Jones to a two-way deal in case things indeed go rougher than anticipated.

Fortunately for the Islanders, Florida lost to Edmonton and the Flyers lost to the Capitals last night, so they received an opportunity.

Expect to see Thomas Greiss in goal yet again. Greiss is looking to make up for what has so far been a very lackluster February campaign.

The puck drops at 7:30 in Montreal, the Islanders will look to climb into a playoff spot for what will probably be the first time since October.

Grew up a diehard Islanders and Mets fan based out of Northern New Jersey. Concluding my Broadcast Communications degree at William Paterson University. WP Sportsdesk member, Stan Fischler correspondent, music buff and total Star Wars freak. Follow my social media handles to learn more. Matt Di Giacomo is a Staff Writer for the Islanders on Elite Sports NY. He encourages team discussion. Tweet him @mdigiacESNY and check out his reviews on YouTube.