Montreal Gains Important Point In Shootout Loss To Islanders

Uniondale, NY (Sports Network) - Frans Nielsen tied the game late in the third period and Matt Moulson scored the clinching shootout goal to push the New York Islanders past the playoff-hopeful Montreal Canadiens 4-3, at Nassau Coliseum.

Nielsen's tying tally came with 2:01 left as the Islanders won their third straight and fifth in the last six games. He also scored during the shootout phase.

Sean Bergenheim tallied a goal and two assists in the win, while Martin Biron stopped 28 shots, as the Isles moved within one game of the .500 mark after finishing 26-47-9 last season.

Tomas Plekanec, Brian Gionta and Maxim Lapierre scored for the Canadiens, who failed to clinch a playoff spot after their first loss in three games. Montreal currently sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 87 points, which is a point ahead of Philadelphia and two points clear of Boston. Montreal has just two games remaining - at Carolina on Thursday and at home against Toronto on Saturday.

Jaroslav Halak picked up 39 saves in defeat.