The Islanders caught a break when Maxim Tsyplakov was initially whistled for a four-minute high-sticking penalty on defenseman Kaiden Guhle at 19:42 of the third period, which would halve bled into overtime. But, upon review, the referees reversed the call.

The defense-first, forecheck-heavy and low-event hockey that the Islanders have started playing regularly of late might be a necessity with Mat Barzal and Anthony Duclair, two of their best offensive players, amongst the injured.

The Islanders finally broke through with 1:05 remaining in the second. The Canadiens looked to be breaking out of their own zone, but Noah Dobson barely kept the puck in and shot it right at Wahlstrom, who gave a quick touch to Lee, who was behind the defense.