Islanders Embrace High-Stakes Playoff Moment vs. Canadiens: ‘It’s A Privilege’

The Islanders face the Canadiens in a high-stakes playoff race showdown, embracing the pressure as Mathew Barzal calls the moment “a privilege.”

MONTREAL — The New York Islanders learned a valuable lesson on Thursday night in their 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators. They faced a team that, at the time, was more desperate than they were, and at this juncture of the season, if you can’t match the other team’s desperation level, it’s going to be a tough night.

Now, with the Islanders on the outside looking in with 13 games to go, it’s their turn to show that do-or-die attitude when they face the Montreal Canadiens tonight at 7 PM ET.

I spoke with a few of the guys about last game and the opportunity that presents itself tonight at the Bell Centre.