Get that outta here!: With 11 games remaining, the Islanders still lead the NHL in blocked shots. With 1,201, they’re 25 blocks ahead of Minnesota and almost 50 blocks in front of Montreal, who rank no. 3 in the league. That could lead to more shots blocked that on net Saturday night.
 
JT PPG?: With his 31st goal of the season Thursday night, John Tavares reached 70 points in 71 games. Riding a four-game point streak, Tavares can push for a season-long point-per-game average when the regular season wraps up April 7th.
 
Keep it clean: Thursday night marked the second straight game the Islanders did not give their opponents a power play. That’s the first time in over 25 years this has occurred. Going for three straight could play a major role in Saturday night’s contest.

Much like Thursday night against Philadelphia, the last matchup between the Habs and Isles saw a New York comeback fall short in the closing minutes. After two goals from Max Pacioretty and one from Scott Gomez put Montreal up 3-0, it seemed like lights out. The Islanders never packed it in though as Matt Moulson and Mark Streit scored 48 seconds apart in the closing minutes of the third period to set up an exciting finish.

PA Parenteau barely missed tying the game in the final seconds before Pacioretty netted an empty-netter to complete his hat trick and the Canadiens won 4-2. The loss broke a five-game point streak for the Islanders.

Jay Pandolfo on his Masterton nomination: "It’s nice to be nominated. It usually goes to older guys that have been around, but anytime you’re honored like this, it’s special.”