It could have been a game signaling a new beginning for the Islanders — Evgeni Nabokov was making his return from an 11-game absence due to a groin injury, and prized prospect Ryan Strome was making his debut.
Instead, it was just the latest example of offensive incompetence.
Despite Nabokov’s 24 saves, a Max Pacioretty goal 1:51 into overtime clinched a 1-0 win for the Canadiens in Uniondale on Saturday night.
Pacioretty took a short feed from David Desharnais and shoved a shot past Nabokov for his 12th goal.
The Islanders (9-19-6) returned from a 1-4 trip and lost for the 12th time in 13 games (1-9-3). They are now 0-16-4 when they score fewer than three goals.
Strome, the No. 5 pick in the 2011 draft, played solidly, if not heroically. He was happy with his performance.
“I felt good out there,” the 20-year-old forward said. “Glad to get my feet under me. I felt like we were working hard all game.”