2. For the Islanders, it's simple: win and you're in. A single point in their season finale is all the Isles need to punch their ticket to the postseason for the first time since the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 campaign. New York (41-31-9) is coming off a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals, failing to gain ground in the Eastern Conference wildcard race. Pittsburgh's loss on Tuesday, however, kept the door open for Lane Lambert's troops who will look to capitalize on their latest opportunity in front of their home crowd. Brock Nelson leads the way for the Islanders with 73 points, followed by Bo Horvat (70) and Mathew Barzal (53). Ilya Sorokin has carried the load in goal with 30 wins and a 2.35 goals-against average in 59 starts this year.
3.The season series is at stake tonight for the Habs and Isles, who go head-to-head for a third time this season. Each of their previous meetings this year have been decided by one goal. New York squeezed by Montreal 2-1 when the teams squared off on Long Island on January 14, before the Canadiens returned the favor at the Bell Centre, winning 4-3 in overtime on February 11.
4. All eyes will be on Joel Teasdale who will be making his NHL debut for his hometown team. The Repentigny, QC native is in the midst of a breakout season with the Laval Rocket that's seen the third-year forward score 23 goals and add 15 assists in 57 games in the AHL. The 24-year-old will become the sixth player to make their NHL debut with the Canadiens this year.
