The Islanders again have a chance to add some separation between themselves and a team chasing them in the Eastern Conference standings.
They host the Canadiens on Thursday night at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum to conclude a stretch of eight of nine games at home. On Monday night, the Islanders dented the Blue Jackets’ playoff pursuit with a 2-0 win against their Metropolitan Division rival.
The second-place Islanders are trying to keep pace with the Capitals, who have played one extra game, and lead by two points in the division as they play at Philadelphia on Thursday night.