Nick Suzuki netted the game-winning goal in overtime and provided an assist as the Montreal Canadiens narrowly defeated the New York Islanders 2-1 on Tuesday night.
Suzuki scored 2:39 into extra time by directing the rebound from his own shot into the net, marking his 10th goal of the season.
Patrik Laine, in his debut with the Canadiens, contributed the other goal, helping the team avoid a third consecutive loss and secure their second win in six games (2-3-1). This matchup marked the fourth straight encounter between the Canadiens and Islanders that ended with a one-goal margin.
Sam Montembeault recorded 30 saves, achieving his fourth career win against the Islanders and his first victory since November 18 against the Oilers.
For the Islanders, Anders Lee scored, while Ilya Sorokin made 25 saves in the defeat. The Islanders have been outscored 44-22 during the third period and overtime this season.
Laine opened the scoring during a power play, beating Sorokin with a wrist shot from the faceoff circle at 7:23 of the second period, marking his first goal of the season. He is now the 76th player in franchise history to score in his debut.
Laine joined the Canadiens in an August trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets and missed the first 24 games recovering from a knee injury sustained during a September preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Suzuki’s assist on Laine’s goal extended his point streak to four games, with three goals and four assists during that stretch.
New York equalized with 1:07 left in the second period on a power play as Lee potted his own rebound for his team-leading 11th goal of the season. The Islanders captain has amassed three goals and three assists over the last three games.
The first period was scoreless, with Montreal outshooting New York 7-5.
This game was the second of three regular-season matchups between the two teams; the Islanders previously secured a 4-3 win in a shootout on October 19. The final meeting of the season series is scheduled for March 20 in Elmont, NY.
