It's the season and team debut for mega-talented forward Patrik Laine for Montreal after being acquired this summer from Columbus. He has been out dealing with knee troubles. I believe the Habs are a lot better than their record currently with everyone healthy, which it now appears they all are -- but per usual it comes down to the goaltender for this franchise post-Carey Price. The better one is playing tonight in Sam Montembeault but unfortunately he's still probably not a true No. 1. The Isles may have the better goalie in Ilya Sorokin but are really banged up and have dropped five of their past six away. Sorokin's road GAA is about a half-goal higher.

Goaltending; that's the word of the day north of the border with Ilya Sorokin and Sam Montembault expected to lock horns tonight. Montreal has been much better in their own barn defensively going 7-5 to the under this season compared to 9-3 over on the road. Both teams enter with scuffling power plays that are 2 for 12 over their last 5 games which helps against below average penalty kills. Then layer in the Islanders 3rd best league wide mark of 2.2 expected goals against in all situations in their L5 games and we're poised for a defensive battle at the Bell Centre tonight.