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The Montreal Canadiens (36-24-7) already showed positive signs in their first game under new coach Bob Gainey.
If they can keep the momentum going as they play eight of their next nine at home, they shouldn't have a problem ensuring the franchise a playoff berth in its centennial season.
The Canadiens will aim for a fifth straight home victory on Thursday night when they meet the New York Islanders, who have won one road game since Thanksgiving.
Even though Montreal was coming off Sunday's 3-1 win at Dallas - its fifth victory in seven games - coach Guy Carbonneau was fired Monday due greatly to a 3-11-1 stretch from Jan. 20-Feb. 19 which nearly dropped the Canadiens out of the playoff picture.
General manager Bob Gainey took over as coach, and the club responded Tuesday night with a 4-3 win over Edmonton as captain Saku Koivu tied the game with 4:35 to play in regulation before scoring on the power play 1:40 into overtime.
The Islanders (22-37-8) continue to maintain the NHL's worst record, but a stretch of solid play at home has helped them go 4-1-1 in their last six overall and 10-8-3 since Jan. 21.
"I look at it as two seasons," Islanders coach Scott Gordon said. "The first half was obviously very frustrating in that we lost our No. 1 goaltender (Rick DiPietro) and ... all the other injuries. The second half has been a breath of fresh air. Our guys have responded and what we hoped would happen in the first half is now happening in the second half."
New York has been boosted by a number of young players, including 2006 first-round draft pick Kyle Okposo, who has scored a goal in three consecutive games.
The Montreal Canadiens (36-24-7) already showed positive signs in their first game under new coach Bob Gainey.
If they can keep the momentum going as they play eight of their next nine at home, they shouldn't have a problem ensuring the franchise a playoff berth in its centennial season.
The Canadiens will aim for a fifth straight home victory on Thursday night when they meet the New York Islanders, who have won one road game since Thanksgiving.
Even though Montreal was coming off Sunday's 3-1 win at Dallas - its fifth victory in seven games - coach Guy Carbonneau was fired Monday due greatly to a 3-11-1 stretch from Jan. 20-Feb. 19 which nearly dropped the Canadiens out of the playoff picture.
General manager Bob Gainey took over as coach, and the club responded Tuesday night with a 4-3 win over Edmonton as captain Saku Koivu tied the game with 4:35 to play in regulation before scoring on the power play 1:40 into overtime.
The Islanders (22-37-8) continue to maintain the NHL's worst record, but a stretch of solid play at home has helped them go 4-1-1 in their last six overall and 10-8-3 since Jan. 21.
"I look at it as two seasons," Islanders coach Scott Gordon said. "The first half was obviously very frustrating in that we lost our No. 1 goaltender (Rick DiPietro) and ... all the other injuries. The second half has been a breath of fresh air. Our guys have responded and what we hoped would happen in the first half is now happening in the second half."
New York has been boosted by a number of young players, including 2006 first-round draft pick Kyle Okposo, who has scored a goal in three consecutive games.
