In Elmont, the Islanders scored twice in the first period on Saturday and then held off the Montreal Canadiens for a 2-1 win.
The victory ended a four-game slide for the Isles.
Ilya Sorokin made 22 saves in the New York win.
The Isles improved to 23-18-3.
“The start was really good,” Islanders coach Lane Lambert said. “I thought we came out and established territory. I thought really all night long we tried to generate shots and get shots to the net and create quite a few opportunities. I did like our response when they scored. We kept pushing forward. So full marks to our guys for the win.”
Casey Cizikas and Anthony Beauvillier were the New York strikers in the first period.
“It was big,” Beauvillier said. “We felt like we could have [had] a couple more points in the last few games. It’s hockey. It happens. Tonight, I thought we did the right [things]. I mean, we showed character, especially after their goal, and we had a great first period to get a couple goals. And like I said, I felt like everyone was on top of the puck, and everyone was dialed in.”
Nick Suzuki was the lone striker for the Habs, his marker came in the third period.
“Could we have started better? For sure,” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said. “If you’re asking me if I was as disappointed as the first period of the Seattle game (a 4-0 loss on Monday)? No.”
Montreal dropped to 17-23-3.
Sam Montembeault made 36 saves in the loss.
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