The New York Islanders grabbed a 3-1 lead in the first period of their game with the Montreal Canadiens Monday night on home ice.
But the Isles could not hold the lead or score again as they watched the Habs rally for a 4-3 win in the skills competition.
Joel Armia was credited with the only goal in the shootout
“Not every game is going to be perfect, but how you react to certain situations is important,” Canadiens coach Claude Julien said. “I thought our reaction after the first was extremely good.”
Antti Niemi made 21 saves to pick up the win as the Canadiens improved to 8-4-2.
Max Domi, Jonathan Drouin and Artturi Lehkonen scored for Montreal in regulation.
“We’ve gotten a taste of what it’s like to win some hockey games in this league this year and we want to keep it going,” Domi said. “It’s a good feeling. Winning is fun. That’s what it’s all about.”
Casey Cizikas struck for two goals and Valtteri Filppula added a single marker in the first period for the Isles.
“We were awful. Plain and simple,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said. “The right team won tonight. That was our worst game of the year. … Today, we did not have it.”
[WATCH: All Canadiens vs. Islanders highlights]
Thomas Greiss made 32 saves in the loss which snapped a five-game win streak.
“I know it’s a point, but we had a great opportunity to get two and as group we have to find a way to bring it together and get those games because who knows at the end of the season what it comes down to,” Cizikas said. “You have to tip your cap to them; they came hard. They were all over there hounding us. We just didn’t have an answer.”
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