Canadiens Suzuki, Montembeault Shine In 4-2 Loss To Islanders

The Montreal Canadiens put up quite the fight, but the New York Islanders’ desperation propelled them to a 4-2 win.

The Canadiens showed some flashes of life during the game, including a highlight-reel shorthanded goal from Nick Suzuki, but ultimately weren’t able to keep up with the Islanders.

Brock Nelson helped the Islanders set the tempo of the game, potting two goals and causing all kinds of havoc in front of Samuel Montembeault’s net.

Ilya Sorokin wasn’t nearly as busy, but still got the job done when it mattered the most and kept the Islanders in the game as the Canadiens applied pressure.

With the victory the Islanders clinched their spot in the NHL Playoffs, thus breaking the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 16-year playoff streak in the process by claiming the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Your post-game analysis below:

Montembeault Wall

This game would have been well out of reach early on had it not been for the exemplary play of Samuel Montembeault.

Despite allowing four goals, it could have been a far less competitive affair had it not been for some timely save from the Habs keeper.

The 26-year-old faced a high quantity of scoring chances throughout the game from the hungry Islanders, with a whopping six high-danger chances faced in the second period alone.

He continues to figure among the top goaltenders of the league for goals saved above expected, mainly due to his never-say-die style of goaltending and athletic ability.

Left out to dry on many plays, Montembeault continues to show that he could carry the load for a young and inexperienced defence; putting up yet another strong performance in a tight game for the Montreal Canadiens.

Sam Montembeault

❇️Belle performance du gardien encore ce soir. 25 arrêts sur 28 tirs après 40 minutes

❇️Great performance from the #CH goalie again tonight. 25 saves on 28 shots after 40 minutes of play#GoHabsGo #NHL #Habs
🎥@HockeyDaily365🎥pic.twitter.com/NbE496AxLm

— André Ménard (@samuelmj01) April 13, 2023

Shorthanded Fun

The Montreal Canadiens looked completely dominated in the second period, with the Islanders extending their lead to 3-1 and seemingly taking over the momentum of the game.

The Canadiens took an untimely penalty late in the second penalty, but Nick Suzuki went to work to pull his team forward.

The Habs cleared the puck out of their zone with the Islanders pressing, which looked like a normal clear, but Suzuki’s speed and relentless work ethic allowed him to surprise his opponent.

He not only caught up to Samuel Bolduc, but was able to snap a shot while on his knees that beat Ilya Sorokin for the incredible shorthanded marker.

It was Suzuki’s 25th goal and 65th point o the season, and the youngest Canadien to hit both marks since Stéphane Richer did it in 1989-1990.

He continues to lead the Canadiens in scoring by a margin of 39 points this season; an impressive show of offensive leadership from the leader of the club.

BIG NICK ENERGY pic.twitter.com/DD14C3BJ0N

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) April 13, 2023

Final Stride

Mike Matheson was once again the rock on the Canadiens’ blue line tonight.

The veteran defenceman played over 27 minutes again tonight and was the club’s most consistent player on transition in a game that was locked down defensively.

Head coach Martin St-Louis continues to utilize his top defenceman in every possible situation; a sign that Matheson has cemented himself as the unquestioned leader on the back end.

Matheson’s emergence this season has been one of the true bright spots for the team, and, with the way he continues to perform, it’s looking to be a trend moving forward; rather than a simple, good run.