5 Keys To Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Islanders

By Lissa Albert

5 Keys To Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Islanders

PK Subban Montreal Canadiens — For the first time this season, the Canadiens and Islanders come together. Both teams have had strong showings this season so far, but there are factors that set them apart in terms of advantages in this first battle. The Habs play their first of a five-game road trip, while the Islanders have been home since their Saturday game. What are the keys to this game and who has the advantage?

5. Win Streaks

Montreal Canadiens, Bell Centre, Montreal

5. Win Streaks

Montreal Canadiens, Bell Centre, Montreal — The Islanders are looking to make this their fifth straight win, while the Habs have won four of their last five. Both teams are finding winning formulas, and neither has experienced an actual "slump" this season. While the Habs have beaten teams like the Kings and the Canucks, the Islanders have beaten top teams such as Tampa Bay, Chicago and Detroit. Clearly both teams have the stamina. Slight advantage to New York.

4. Home-Ice Advantage

New York Islanders, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

4. Home-Ice Advantage

New York Islanders, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum — There is no question that home ice is always an advantage. Now, at the holiday season, the crowd is even more hyped and bound to be rowdier than ever. The Habs know what it's like to have the home-ice advantage and use it as a strength. The Islanders are 3-2-1 at home against the Habs. With a raucous "Yes!" chant in Uniondale, the Habs may find themselves missing the hometown "olé" song. Advantage: Islanders

3. Top Performers

Kyle Okposo, Brock Nelson New York Islanders

3. Top Performers

Kyle Okposo, Brock Nelson New York Islanders — Both teams have top performers. The Canadiens have Max Pacioretty with 13 goals and 27 points, and the Isles have John Tavares' 13 goals and 28 points. Kyle Okposo of the Islanders has been sensational this season, with 28 points -- 21 of them assists. Don't discount Brock Nelson with 27 points, 14 of them goals. But the new top line for the Habs - Pacioretty, Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher - is dangerously hot. Advantage: Montreal

2. Goaltending

Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens

2. Goaltending

Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens — Instead of former teammate Jaroslav Halak, Carey Price will face off with Chad Johnson in nets for New York. Johnson is 5-4-0, while Price is dynamic for Montreal with a .924 save percentage. In the last five starts, Price hasn't allowed more than two goals. This will be Johnson's first game facing the Habs. Will he have beginner's luck or will Price stand up against goals as always? Advantage: Habs

1. Shots On Goal

John Tavares New York Islanders

1. Shots On Goal

John Tavares New York Islanders — Shots on goal can be the decider. In their last game, the Islanders held Tampa Bay to 21 shots while they took 48. It's well known that the Canadiens' shot count isn't as high as they (and fans) would like, but Carey Price is solid and can make the difference. Will this game, with the Habs' new line, see more shots on goal? Advantage: Islanders

Lissa Albert is a Montreal Canadiens writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @LissaRantSports. “Like” her on Facebook and/or add her to your network on Google.

Teams in this article »

Montreal Canadiens

•

New York Islanders

Share On Facebook

Share