Canadiens Eliminate Islanders from Playoff Race with 3-Goal Flurry

Montreal scores 3 goals in 55 seconds to end New York's postseason hopes

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:36am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and ice reduced to angular, intersecting shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the fragmented nature of the Islanders' collapse and the Canadiens' decisive victory.The Canadiens' three-goal flurry in the second period shattered the Islanders' playoff hopes, exposing the fractured state of New York's season.Elmont Today

The Montreal Canadiens scored three goals in a 55-second span late in the second period to eliminate the New York Islanders from playoff contention with a 4-1 win on Sunday night. Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov, and Alex Newhook found the back of the net in quick succession to give the Canadiens a commanding lead, which they would not relinquish.

Why it matters

The Canadiens' victory keeps their hopes alive of winning the Atlantic Division or finishing second and earning home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Islanders' late-season collapse has cost them a spot in the postseason, despite occupying a playoff position for most of the year.

The details

The Canadiens outshot the Islanders 15-11 before breaking through late in the second period. Suzuki scored on the power play to open the scoring, followed quickly by Demidov and Newhook to give Montreal a 3-0 lead. Casey Cizikas scored in the third period to get the Islanders on the board, but Zachary Bolduc added an empty-net goal to seal the win for the Canadiens.

  • The Canadiens scored their three goals in a 55-second span late in the second period.
  • Cizikas scored for the Islanders with 11:15 remaining in the third period.
  • Bolduc scored an empty-net goal for the Canadiens with 14.7 seconds left in the third period.

The players

Nick Suzuki

A forward for the Montreal Canadiens who scored the opening goal in the second period.

Ivan Demidov

A forward for the Montreal Canadiens who scored the second goal in the Canadiens' three-goal flurry.

Alex Newhook

A forward for the Montreal Canadiens who scored the third goal in the Canadiens' three-goal flurry.

Casey Cizikas

A forward for the New York Islanders who scored their lone goal in the third period.

Zachary Bolduc

A forward for the Montreal Canadiens who scored an empty-net goal to seal the win.

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What they’re saying

“We must have been a little too comfortable with our lead, and that's something we need to work on. But at the end of the day, we got the two points and that's what matters most.”

— Nick Suzuki, Canadiens Forward

What’s next

The Canadiens will look to continue their push for the top of the Atlantic Division, while the Islanders' season has come to an end with their elimination from playoff contention.

The takeaway

The Canadiens' late-game offensive outburst proved to be the difference, as they were able to quickly build a lead that the Islanders could not overcome. This result highlights the Canadiens' playoff aspirations and the Islanders' disappointing end to their season.