It took Mike Cammalleri just 7 minutes to score his league leading 13th goal of the play-offs and snap Michael Leighton’s shut out streak. Tom Pyatt bundled home a second with just over 3 minutes remaining in the opening period as the Habs outshot Philadelphia 17 to 9.
Veteran forward Dominic Moore extended Montreal’s lead further half way through the 2nd period, as his wrist shot from the slot beat the previously wall-like Leighton, before Brian Gionta pounced in the opening minutes of the final frame to compound the visitors misery. Matt Carle fumbled a dump in by the Canadiens, allowing Gionta to race clear and beat Leighton one-on-one and open up a 4-0 lead for the home side in front of a vociferous crowd.
Flyers winger Simon Gagne continued his good form since returning from injury by notching his seventh goal of the post season at the mid way point of the period, but it was little more than a consolation effort for the Pennsylvania natives who continued to be frustrates by a rejuvenated Halak, who stopped 25 shots on the night, and a more physical display from the Habs. Tempers flared with minutes remaining as a clash between Danny Briere and Jaorslav Spacek resulted in a round of handbags before Scott Hartnell dropped the gloves with Roman Hamrlik of all people, in a rare post season fight.
Game 4 is on Saturday night at the Bell Centre.
Contact the author: rob.mcgregor@prohockeynews.com
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