(Montreal) Each team scored twice in the second period and the Montreal Canadiens still led against the New York Rangers after 40 minutes of play, 3-2, Saturday evening at the Bell Center.
Brendan Gallagher opened the scoring for the Habs with 8:23 remaining in the first period, ending a 24-game drought.
The game then got lively in the second period.
Sean Monahan surprised goalie Jonathan Quick 69 seconds into the game, when his shot deflected off defender Ryan Lindgren before landing in the goal.
Joel Armia returned to the charge 90 seconds later. He beat Quick with a long shot between the pads.
The Rangers then moved on.
Vincent Trocheck first deflected a shot from Erik Gustafsson into the back of the net at 10:28.
Trocheck then set up a goal from Artemi Panarin at 14:29, pushing the puck behind Mitchell Stephens on a faceoff before passing to his accomplice. Panarin took a one-timer and goalkeeper Samuel Montembeault did not have time to react.
Nick Suzuki, for the Canadian, then Mika Zibanejad, for the Rangers, in turn reached the post before the end of the second period.
Montembeault stopped 32 shots in the first 40 minutes of play. Quick made 17 saves.
Forward Emil Heineman was inserted into the Canadian’s lineup and played a third game with the team this season. He replaced defender Johnathan Kovacevic, while coach Martin St-Louis had decided to return to a conventional formation with 12 attackers and six defenders.
The Canadian will play his next game on Wednesday, when he visits the Philadelphia Flyers. He will host the San Jose Sharks the next day at the Bell Center.