Islanders Claim Overtime Victory Over Canadiens, Narrow Playoff Gap

In a crucial matchup for wild-card positioning, the New York Islanders edged out the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in overtime at UBS Arena, thanks to Bo Horvat's game-winning goal. The Islanders overcame a blown 3-1 lead in the third period, demonstrating resilience with Ilya Sorokin making 38 saves and contributing two assists. Their power play was effective, converting 2 out of 3 opportunities, which helped them stay competitive despite the Canadiens' strong comeback efforts. Montreal’s goals came from Joshua Roy, Patrik Laine, and Brendan Gallagher, but they ultimately fell short. The victory moves the Islanders to 9th place in the Eastern Conference, just two points behind the Canadiens for the second wild-card spot. This win builds on a recent streak for the Islanders, marking their third consecutive victory and showcasing a significant improvement in their third-period performance.