NYI@MTL: Game recap 

MONTREAL - The Canadiens stopped the Islanders from completing a comeback and won 5-3 at the Bell Centre on Saturday.

Joel Armia, Josh Anderson (2), Cole Caufield and Christian Dvorak scored for the home side. 

Tonight’s game marked the team’s last on home ice for 2023, and it was also Christmas at the Bell Centre, presented by Lafleur.  

So, it was only fitting for the team’s social media crew to ask the players which of their teammates was on Santa’s “nice” list.

Unsurprisingly, it turns out we have a lot of good guys.

Meanwhile, Nick Suzuki received a special visit prior to the game.

The captain is an ambassador for the Asista Foundation, a non-profit organization that trains service dogs for a variety of needs, including post-traumatic stress, autism, severe anxiety, and more.

Head coach Martin St-Louis confirmed earlier today that there would be no changes to the lineup.

Samuel Montembeault made 30 saves. For more stats, check out the NHL’s Gamecenter summary here.

Montreal goals

P2 07:45 0-[1] Armia (Gallagher, Guhle)

P2 10:35 0-[2] Anderson (Barron, Monahan)

P2 19:06 0-[3] Anderson (Monahan, Barron)

P2 19:21 0-[4] Caufield (Suzuki, Slafkovsky)

P3 19:40 3-[5] Dvorak (Suzuki) - EN

New York goals

P3 02:07 [1]-4 Nelson (Dobson) - SHG

P3 03:43 [2]-4 Nelson (Dobson)

P3 14:06 [3]-4 Horvat (Dobson, Romanov) 

What’s next

The Canadiens will hit the road for seven games starting on Monday with a stop in Winnipeg to take on the Jets at Canada Life Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game on Sportsnet or RDS, or listen in on the radio on TSN 690 or 98.5 fm.