Canadiens Crush Islanders 7-3

The Montreal Canadiens delivered a powerhouse performance, beating the New York Islanders 7-3 in a intense match-up Saturday night.

Cole Caulfield led the charge with a hat trick and two assists, while Gerard Schlafkowski chipped in two goals and two assists.

Nick Suzuki dished out four assists to hit 61 on the season, and Kaidan Gula added a goal and two assists as Montreal's top line took over.

The games day close early, with the Islanders grabbing a two-to-one lead after the first period thanks to goals from a meal, Heinemann and Simon, Homestrum.

But the Canadiens flipped the script in the second, tying it up with tallies from Alex Nohoken Caulfield.

Things exploded in a third when rookie Matthew Schaefer tied it briefly, only for Montreal to unleash four straight goals, including two more from.

Caulfield that chased Islanders' goalie, Ilya Serokin, fans at the Bill Center went wild, chanting OLL, after Schlafkowski's go-ahead goal and showering the eyes with hats for Caulfield's third marker, his.

43rd of the year, the win keeps Montreal 3rd in the Atlantic Division with 84 points in 68 games just ahead of the Islanders at 83 points, in 69 fighting to sneak into the playoffs.

Caulfield's effort included his 25th go-ahead goal, tying him with legends like Joe Sockick for fourth all-time in a single NHL season.

Meanwhile, Heinemann hit 20 goals for the first time, scoring against his former team after Montreal traded him last summer.

Both teams showed playoff fire with big hits and scrums, but Montreal's discipline edged it out despite a few costly penalties.

The Islanders head home to Face Columbus Sunday, while the Canadiens host Carolina Tuesday, staying formed with Canada News today.

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