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Elmont Today
By the People, for the People
Islanders Eliminated from Playoff Contention
Late-game collapse against Canadiens ends New York's postseason hopes
Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:39am
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The Islanders' playoff hopes shattered in a late-game collapse against the Canadiens, exposing deeper issues for the franchise.Elmont TodayThe New York Islanders were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday after a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Three Canadiens goals in just 55 seconds late in the second period doomed the Islanders, who can now only reach a maximum of 93 points, not enough to secure a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Why it matters
The Islanders' failure to make the playoffs this season is a major disappointment for the franchise and its fans, who had high hopes after the team reached the Stanley Cup semifinals in 2021. This marks the second straight year the Islanders have missed the postseason, raising questions about the team's direction and the future of head coach Lane Lambert.
The details
The Islanders kept the game close through the first two periods, trailing just 1-0 heading into the final frame. But the Canadiens struck for three quick goals in a 55-second span late in the second, effectively putting the game out of reach. Montreal's goals came from Brendan Gallagher, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield, leaving the Islanders with no path to the playoffs.
- The Islanders lost 4-1 to the Canadiens on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
- The three Canadiens goals that doomed the Islanders came in a 55-second span late in the second period.
The players
New York Islanders
The NHL hockey team based on Long Island, New York.
Montreal Canadiens
The NHL hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Brendan Gallagher
Forward for the Montreal Canadiens.
Nick Suzuki
Forward for the Montreal Canadiens.
Cole Caufield
Forward for the Montreal Canadiens.
What they’re saying
“We had our chances, but just couldn't capitalize. That quick stretch in the second period really hurt us.”
— Lane Lambert, Head Coach, New York Islanders
What’s next
The Islanders will now focus on the offseason, with questions surrounding the future of the coaching staff and roster. The team's ownership and management will need to evaluate what changes are necessary to get the franchise back into playoff contention next season.
The takeaway
The Islanders' failure to reach the playoffs for the second straight year is a major disappointment for the organization and its fans. The team's late-season collapse against the Canadiens exposed lingering issues that the Islanders will need to address in the offseason if they hope to return to the postseason in 2027.
