The Montreal Canadiens limped into their matchup against a desperate New York Islanders, sporting a dismal 2-4-4 record in their last 10 games. Without the services of stars Shea Weber and Carey Price, the Canadiens opted to start new guy Mike Reilly on defence instead of David Schlemko, while Andrew Shaw made his return to the lineup from injury.
Montreal came out of the gates strong, out-shooting New York in the opening minutes of the frame as the Islanders struggled to get out of their own end.