MTL@NYI: A battle in Brooklyn awaits

BROOKLYN - The Canadiens are expecting a tough matchup against the New York Islanders on Monday night.

Barry Trotz's club has won five straight games to secure top spot in the Metropolitan Division, and isn't showing signs of slowing down.
The Islanders' most recent victory came over the weekend when they blanked the New Jersey Devils by a score of 3-0 at Barclays Center.
With that in mind, there's no sense in taking this tilt lightly. It simply isn't a recipe for a positive outcome.
"We know they have a lot of good players," said assistant captain Brendan Gallagher, referencing the likes of forwards Josh Bailey, Anders Lee and Mathew Barzal. "They're a tough team to play against. They've got a lot of talent that can take over, so if we're not prepared to play, if we don't do all the things that have led to us having success, we're not going to be able to come into this building and get a win. They're playing really good hockey right now."

There's no denying the impact that bringing in a coach of Trotz's caliber can have on a hockey club, of course.
The Canadiens aren't surprised to see the Islanders enjoying their fair of success.
"They brought in a coach here who is coming off a Stanley Cup. He comes in with a lot of experience, and the players buy in to whatever he's preaching. He's a guy who's been around for a long time. He understands how to win hockey games," said Gallagher, who leads the Habs with nine goals on the year. "It's not going to be easy."
So, how do the Canadiens walk away with a win in Brooklyn?
"We have to use our speed and play a good defensive game," explained Phillip Danault. "Being first on pucks is always key. We got away from that the last few games. It's important to win our battles."
During his post-practice press conference, Claude Julien also stressed the importance of tightening things up defensively after watching his troops surrender four goals in each of the last three games.
Fighting back
The Canadiens have yet to lose consecutive games so far this season, and they'll be looking to keep that trend going on Monday night.
According to Julien, his group's ability to rebound from defeats ultimately comes down to confidence.
"We have a group of players that believe in themselves. We realize that every game is a hard game. You have to try and win every night," said Julien, who will be featuring Antti Niemi in goal against the Islanders, while Carey Price will get the call on Tuesday night against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. "Last game [against Tampa Bay] was a loss, regardless of the way we played. We have to rebound with a good win. We want to have a good trip, too. With two games in two nights, it's important for us to have success."

Thomas Greiss will get the start in goal for the Islanders.
We meet again…
Barzal and defenseman Noah Juulsen have known one another for many years, so squaring off at the NHL level always brings back some good memories.
If anyone knows just how dangerous the 21-year-old centerman and Calder Trophy winner can be, it's the Canadiens' rearguard.
"His speed, his stickhandling, I think everything. He's an all-around player," responded Juulsen, when asked what makes Barzal such a serious threat up front. "I think he can do it all out there. He's a shifty guy. I think that's a big thing for a defenseman to be careful with."
Keeping Barzal off the scoresheet is a challenge Juulsen is eager to undertake.
Once the puck drops, the two BC natives have to put their friendship aside, though, and focus squarely on the business at hand.
"It's nice to see him. He's a good guy. We played against each other a lot growing up and a lot in the WHL, and we've played against each other a couple of times now," mentioned Juulsen. "It is what it is. He's just another player out there."