It’s a simple scenario and we all know it well: A point of any kind tonight guarantees a trip to the playoffs (and a couple of home dates of additional revenue) for the Islanders. A loss throws fate back into the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Islanders host the Montreal Canadiens, who are playing out the string and have one more game after this one. It shouldn’t be a difficult task, but the Chicago Blackhawks showed the Pittsburgh Penguins how laughable that concept is. For the Canadiens, a night like this — where they can absolutely troll an opponent and make it hurt — is their playoffs.