Follow me on Twitter @thefirstnoel19

The Islanders look to extend their winning streak to three games as they host the Montreal Canadiens, who have not lost in regulation this season. They will face a backup goaltender for the fifth straight game. There is a catch though.

Al Montoya has been fantastic this season. The former Islander is 2-0-1 with a 1.30 GAA and .962 save pct. The Canadiens have allowed nine goals in six games this season.

Nikolay Kulemin left practice early Tuesday and is a game-time decision. If Kulemin cannot go, Mathew Barzal would get back into the lineup for the first time since making his NHL debut October 15 against the Washington Capitals. I would have Jason Chimera replace Kulemin on the Casey Cizkias-Cal Clutterbuck line. Brock Nelson would shift to the wing, replacing Chimera and Barzal taking Nelson's spot in the middle. Ryan Strome has gelled with Alan Quine and Anthony Beauvillier on the "new kid line". I would leave them alone.

The first 10,000 fans, let's hope not every one in attendance will receive a Bill Torrey bow tie. Torrey was the architect of the four Stanley Cups. Torrey also made some savvy moves following the Cup era. 25 years ago yesterday, Torrey, in separate deals traded Pat LaFontaine and Brent Sutter. Torrey turned the duo into Pierre Turgeon, Steve Thomas, Benoit Hogue and Uwe Krupp who were key in the 1993 run to the conference finals. Let's just say some of Torrey's successors have struggled a bit.

Join the Discussion: » 834 Comments » Post New Comment

» Report: Lou Lamoriello to run Islanders

» The waiting is the hardest part

» "The Architect" passes away

» Isles Buzz Podcast - Lottery Losers and Ray Ferraro

» Isles will draft back-to-back in June