MTL@NYI: What you need to know

TEAM COMPARISONS

The Canadiens enter Sunday’s matchup two factors again from Buffalo and stage with Tampa Bay for second within the Atlantic Division, though the Lightning maintain the regulation-wins tiebreaker. With simply two video games remaining, Montreal’s path to dwelling ice seemingly requires an ideal end. The Habs are locked right into a top-three divisional spot and are all however sure to open the playoffs in opposition to both Buffalo or Tampa Bay.

For the Islanders, the stakes could not be increased. Clinging to slim postseason hopes, New York faces a do-or-die state of affairs. Their solely path to the playoffs is thru a third-place end within the Metropolitan Division, the place they path Philadelphia by three factors, that means a regulation loss on Sunday would mathematically eradicate them from the postseason race.

SEASON SERIES

Feb. 26 vs. NYI: 4-3 NYI (OT)

Mar. 21 vs. NYI: 7-3 MTL

April 12 @ NYI:

PLAYERS TO WATCH FOR

Nick Suzuki is one level away from 100. Need we are saying extra?

Also value noting, Cole Caufield (51) trails Nathan MacKinnon (52) by a single objective within the Rocket Richard race.

Matthew Schaefer continues a sensational rookie marketing campaign, tying the file for targets (23) by a first-year defenseman whereas turning into the youngest blueliner in historical past to attain 50 factors. The 18-year-old has three targets in two video games in opposition to Montreal this season.

BY THE NUMBERS: HABS-ISLES

Here’s how the Canadiens and Islanders match up by the numbers: