Music: {allcanada} Canadiens goalie Price to return against Islanders

Friday, November 20, 2015

{allcanada} Canadiens goalie Price to return against Islanders

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CANADIENS (14-4-2) at ISLANDERS (10-6-3)

TV: RDS, SNE, MSG+

Season series: The Montreal Canadiens extended their winning streak against the New York Islanders to four games with a 4-1 victory at Bell Centre on Nov. 5. David Desharnais had the go-ahead goal for Montreal in the third period, and Mike Condon made 17 saves, allowing only a second-period goal by Kyle Okposo.

Canadiens team scope: Montreal will have Carey Price back in goal for its first visit to Barclays Center. Price hasn't played since Oct. 30 because of a lower-body injury, but coach Michel Therrien said after a 3-2 home loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday that Price will get the start. Condon has played nine consecutive games, but opponents scored the first three goals in each of the Canadiens' three previous games. "It was one of those nights," Therrien said of the loss to the Coyotes. "It wasn't a lack of effort." Center Torrey Mitchell did not make the trip after sustaining a lower-body injury Thursday, and defenseman Alexei Emelin (lower body) didn't play against Arizona and will miss the two games this weekend. With Price's return, the Canadiens sent goalie Dustin Tokarski back to St. John's of the American Hockey League.

Islanders team scope: Defenseman Travis Hamonic feels the home-and-home series with the Canadiens, which concludes Sunday in Montreal, is "a big test for us. I always like to play those big games, so I'm excited." The 25-year-old defenseman spent most of his time after practice Thursday addressing the news that he has asked to be traded somewhere closer to his Winnipeg home for personal reasons. He said the situation won't affect his play. "It hasn't been an issue for me so far this season. I continue to try to work hard and win here," he said. "That's our goal, and one thing I can guarantee and promise is it's not going change how I play on the ice." Center Mikhail Grabovski, who left New York's 5-2 win against Arizona on Monday with an upper-body injury, was back at practice Wednesday. Jaroslav Halak, who made 31 saves in the win against Arizona, likely will be back in goal.

Team Stats