Islanders vs. Canadiens: 3 things you need to know
The Metropolitan's most-prolific offensive attack will test its mettle against the Atlantic's stingiest defense on Saturday when the red-hot New York Islanders meet the Montreal Canadiens.
Here are three things you need to know:
The best defense is a good offense
The Islanders are flying high in front of their All-Star goaltender. But while Jaroslav Halak has been brilliant, he's also been sheltered.
In wins over the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins this week, the Islanders outshot their Metro-Div adversaries 79-51, lowering a league-best 26.8 average shots allowed against two red-hot opponents.
Their defense is strong, but not impenetrable. New York boasts these impeccable margins due to its ability to concentrate play at the opposite end of the ice. The Islanders have outshot their opponent in 15 straight games, and own 53.6 percent of the shot attempts at even strength.
The Price you pay
To improve to 9-1-4 in their last 14 meetings at the Bell Centre, Montreal will have to survive without its No. 1 goaltender.
In response to a minor upper-body injury plaguing Carey Price, journeyman Joey MacDonald was called up from Hamilton on Friday to fill the void.
Price's injury is not expected to prevent him from playing in the All-Star Game, but it does mean Dustin Tokarski will receive a second consecutive start.
Tokarski began the season on a roll, allowing just five goals in his first four decisions this season. He has conceded more than three - on average - in his last four appearances.
Back-to-back, Jack
As teams bemoan the season's scheduling, Jack Capuano's side just plain takes advantage.
New York will look to improve its sparkling record on the second night of a back-to-back to 7-1 Saturday versus the Canadiens. They have already played to that record in the first games, carrying an absurd 13-2 in matches scheduled on consecutive nights.
This isn't coincidence. This is a team that rises to the occasion instead of sulking about it.
Fortunately for the Islanders, they play eight additional back-to-back sets, totalling 16 on the season.