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 Montreal Canadiens' Maxim Lapierre skates around the back of the net as New York Islanders' Martin Biron and Jack Hillen. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton) |
Uniondale, NY - Frans Nielsen tied the game late in the third period and Matt Moulson scored the clinching shootout goal to push the New York Islanders past the playoff-hopeful Montreal Canadiens 4-3, at Nassau Coliseum.
Nielsen's tying tally came with 2:01 left as the Islanders won their third straight and fifth in the last six games. He also scored during the shootout phase.
Sean Bergenheim tallied a goal and two assists in the win, while Martin Biron stopped 28 shots, as the Isles moved within one game of the .500 mark after finishing 26-47-9 last season.
Tomas Plekanec, Brian Gionta and Maxim Lapierre scored for the Canadiens, who failed to clinch a playoff spot after their first loss in three games. Montreal currently sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 87 points, which is a point ahead of Philadelphia and two points clear of Boston. Montreal has just two games remaining - at Carolina on Thursday and at home against Toronto on Saturday.
Jaroslav Halak picked up 39 saves in defeat.
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