The Montreal Canadiens defeated the New York Islanders 7-3, marking a significant setback in the playoff race. The Islanders were trailing 2-1 and tied 3-3 in the final 20 minutes of the game, but lost to the Habs' top line, which dominated the game with four consecutive goals from Cole Caufield's hat trick. The loss was particularly significant as the team left with two points left to keep pace with the Penguins and the Blue Jackets. The Isles cannot regain third place in the Metropolitan Division merely by defeating Columbus in an equally critical match on Long Island.