Montreal is improved this season and has shown an ability to win on the road going 2-3 with impressive victories against the Penguins and Bruins. All three of Montreal's road defeats were by one goal, with two occurring in overtime.

The Canadiens won't lack motivation coming off a disappointing 1-2 homestand. They played tough competition, though, beating the Capitals and losing to the Stars and Lightning.

The Islanders are fat and happy winning five in a row, including a rivalry winner against New Jersey this past Saturday. The Islanders head off to Florida for a pair of games following this matchup. So their focus might not be all there.

The Canadiens have dominated the Islanders on the road winning seven of the last eight times.