Islanders Stun Canadiens in OT Thriller as Rookie Star Rewrites History
Overtime drama in Montreal has just reshaped the playoff picture and it came down to one former Canadien breaking hearts at the Bell Centre.
The New York Islanders edged the Montreal Canadiens 4–3 in a tense, high-speed battle that felt like playoff hockey from the opening puck drop. And it ended quickly in overtime. Just 1 minute and 46 seconds into the extra frame, Jean-Gabriel Pageau buried the winner, completing a comeback that silenced a buzzing Montreal crowd.
This game marked the return to action after the Olympic break, so there were questions about momentum. Montreal came in riding a strong stretch before the pause, sitting in a tight race for a postseason berth. But the Islanders showed they are just as desperate. They are now riding a three-game win streak and tightening their grip in the Metropolitan Division.
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The night belonged to the Islanders’ young sensation, Matthew Schaefer. The 18-year-old defenceman scored twice in just 55 seconds late in the second period. With those goals, he broke records once held by franchise legends. He surpassed Denis Potvin for the most goals by a rookie defenceman in team history and moved past Phil Housley for the most goals ever scored by an 18-year-old blueliner. That is elite company and it signals that the Islanders may have found a generational cornerstone.
Montreal had its own emotional storyline. Noah Dobson, facing his former team for the first time since last summer’s blockbuster trade, scored twice for the Canadiens. One came at even strength, the other on the power play. It was a statement performance and it pushed his personal point streak to a career high. But it was not enough.
Cole Caufield added his 33rd of the season in the third period and Samuel Montembeault made key saves to keep Montreal in it. Still, special teams once again proved costly. The Canadiens have now surrendered a power-play goal in four straight games and in a playoff race this tight, small details can decide seasons.
For the Islanders, Ilya Sorokin continued his dominance against Montreal. He remains unbeaten in regulation against the Canadiens in his career. That consistency in goal could be a major factor down the stretch.
With just weeks remaining in the regular season, every point matters. One overtime winner can swing momentum, confidence and potentially playoff positioning. The Canadiens now have to regroup quickly, while the Islanders leave Montreal with belief and two crucial points.
The stretch drive has officially begun. Stay with us for continuing coverage as the race intensifies and every game starts to feel like Game Seven.
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