Islanders eliminated from playoff contention with 4-1 loss to Canadiens

New York's postseason hopes officially end with defeat against Montreal

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:57am

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens, capturing the intensity and emotion of the game that officially ended the Islanders' playoff hopes.A cubist interpretation of the Islanders' heartbreaking elimination from playoff contention, with the team's and opponent's colors colliding in a fractured, geometric display.Elmont Today

The New York Islanders were eliminated from playoff contention after a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday. The Islanders can now only reach a maximum of 93 points, not enough for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Montreal scored three goals in a 55-second span late in the second period to take control of the game.

Why it matters

The Islanders' failure to make the playoffs this season is a disappointment for the franchise and its fans, who had high hopes after the team's recent success. However, the emergence of rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer provides reason for optimism about the team's future.

The details

The game was evenly played through the first 35 minutes, with both goalies making key saves to keep the game scoreless. But the Canadiens broke through late in the second period, with Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov, and Alex Newhook scoring three goals in quick succession to give Montreal a 3-0 lead. The Islanders managed to get on the board in the third period with a goal from Casey Cizikas, but it was too little, too late.

  • The Islanders were officially eliminated from playoff contention on April 12, 2026.
  • The Canadiens scored three goals in a 55-second span late in the second period to take control of the game.

The players

Ilya Sorokin

The Islanders' goaltender, who is a leading candidate for the Vezina Trophy.

Matthew Schaefer

The Islanders' rookie sensation, who is expected to be a lock for the Calder Trophy.

Pete DeBoer

The Islanders' new head coach, who is in the first year of a three-year contract.

Nick Suzuki

The Canadiens' forward who scored the opening goal.

Ivan Demidov

The Canadiens' player who scored on the power play to extend their lead.

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What’s next

The Islanders will host the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday to finish out the regular season.

The takeaway

While missing the playoffs is a disappointment, the Islanders' season has been a success in many ways, highlighted by the emergence of rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer. With a new head coach in Pete DeBoer, the team is poised to take a step forward next season and beyond.