Pageau Scores in OT, Islanders Rally Past Canadiens

MONTREAL — Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored 1:46 into overtime, completing a comeback for the Fresh York Islanders in a 4-3 win against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre on Thursday. NHL.com

Pageau received a pass off the boards from Simon Holmstrom and scored with a backhand shot, beating Montreal goalie Sam Montembeault five-hole. “I have that feeling this year that when we get down we always have a chance to arrive back because we battle until the end,” Pageau said. “And that’s what happened again. We believed until the end and it worked out.”

Matthew Schaefer scored two goals in 55 seconds during the second period for the Islanders and Ilya Sorokin made 21 saves. New York has now won three consecutive games. Islanders coach Patrick Roy praised the team’s character, stating, “They’re fun to watch. Even if we were down two goals, I felt we were composed and we just kept playing our game.”

Anders Lee, playing in his 900th career game, scored the tying goal with 1:41 remaining in the third period, deflecting Bo Horvat’s shot into the net.

For the Canadiens, Noah Dobson scored twice in his first game against his former team, the Islanders. Cole Caufield added his team-leading 33rd goal of the season, and Samuel Montembeault stopped 23 shots.

Dobson, who spent his first six NHL seasons with the Islanders before being traded to Montreal last June, scored at even strength and on the power play. The trade sent Emil Heineman and two 2025 first-round draft picks to New York.

This game marked both teams’ return to action following the 19-day pause for the Milan Cortina Olympic Games.

Looking Ahead

The Islanders will continue their road trip against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. The Canadiens will host the Washington Capitals on Saturday.