The Montreal Canadiens continued their winning ways on Thursday defeating the New York Islanders by a score of 4-1 at the Bell Centre, and improving to 12-2-1 on the season.
The game was a tight checking affair, and tied 1-1 in the third period when Tomas Fleischmann and David Desharnais broke into the Islanders zone on a two on one. Fleischmann made a beautiful pass and Desharnais deposited it in the back of the net to open the flood gates for the Habs. Goals by Brendan Gallagher and Tomas Plekanec later in the third would seal the victory.
Must See: David Desharnais Sinks the Islanders
Dale Weise opened the scoring for Montreal in the first period, giving him his 8th goal of the year. Weise leads the Habs in goals and is third overall in the NHL.
“I don’t really pay attention to individual stats,” said Weise. “I’m just glad our line is playing well and contributing the way we are. We’re scoring some big goals for our team.”
Weise and linemates David Desharnais and Tomas Fleischmann each have six points in the last four games.
“We’re getting good looks and making plays,” said Weise.
The Habs have taken much criticism for being too reliant on star goaltender Carey Price over the last two years. Price was injured last Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers, and the Habs are 3-0-1 since the injury with wins convincing over 2015 playoff teams Calgary, Winnipeg, and the Isles. The sole loss came in overtime to another playoff team in the Ottawa Senators.
Mike Condon has been solid in relief, but the entire team has played well as seen by the fact that they limited the Islanders to just 18 shots last night.
“His saves aren’t miraculous, his positioning is excellent,” said Montreal coach Michel Therrien. “He’s been able to work with the best goalie in the world and that also helps.”
The Canadiens next game is Saturday Night when they host the Boston Bruins.
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