Canadiens vs. Islanders: Game thread, rosters, lines, and how to watch

The Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders meet for another clash on Friday night, just days after the Habs scored a 3-1 victory at the Bell Centre. This time, the game shifts to Barclays Center, where the Islanders will desperately try to keep their dimming playoff hopes alive.

Wednesday night’s game saw Antti Niemi in top form, as he turned away one of the NHL’s best offences, while Paul Byron, Jonathan Drouin, and Nikita Scherbak slipped three goals by Habs boogeyman Jaroslav Halak.

With the regulation victory, the Canadiens have quietly earned points in five straight games, throwing a wrench in their tank plans, but giving their players a much-needed bit of positive news.

John Tavares and Jordan Eberle were uncharacteristically quiet earlier this week, but with last change it’s likely Doug Weight will do what he can to get his star forwards out against Montreal’s more vulnerable defensive pairings. Mathew Barzal scored another highlight-reel goal at the expense of Noah Juulsen, so Montreal would be wise to try and keep the Calder favourite away from their less-experienced defenders if at all possible.

Puck drop is at 7:00 PM EST / 4:00 PM PST

How to watch

In the Canadiens region: TSN2, TSN GO (English), RDS (French)
In the Islanders region: MSG
Elsewhere: NHL.tv/NHL GameCentre Live, NHL Center Ice

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup

Forwards

Defence

Goaltenders

Scratched: Jordie Benn, Nicolas Deslauriers, Logan Shaw
Injured: Ales Hemsky (concussion), Charles Hudon (hand), Carey Price (concussion), Shea Weber (foot)

New York Islanders projected lineup

Forwards

Defence

Goaltenders