In Denver, the Montreal Canadiens rallied from a two-goal deficit on Saturday to force extra time with the Avalanche. 
Gabriel Landeskog put an end to the rally when he scored in the extra session for a 3-2 Avs win.
The victory pushed the Avs home win streak to 15 games.
“That part’s good,” Landeskog said. “Tonight definitely wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t anywhere near our best, but it is a strength to be able to find a way to win those hockey games no matter where you are in the standings and where the other team is in the standings. There are no easy games. Absolutely, big to win another one at home.”
Darcy Kuemper made 28 saves for the Avs win.
“[Kuemper] stole one in L.A. for us, you can argue he stole this one for us,” Landeskog said.
Colorado improved to 28-8-3.
After falling behind, 0-2, Nick Suzuki scored midway through the third period to get the Habs even at 2-2.
“He was very solid, he was very good,” Canadiens head coach Dominique Ducharme said. “I was happy with the way he tackled the game. He was solid for 60 minutes and did a good job of preparing for his game and he was ready. And we’re happy to see a young goalie like that facing one of the best teams in the NHL showing character and playing a good game.”
Montreal fell to 8-25-7.
Colorado took the 2-0 lead off a power play goal from Alex Newhook in the first period.
“It was very similar to the last two or three we’ve played, definitely not our best stuff,” Colorado head coach Jared Bednar said. “Lot of areas of our game in the last four that could be much better, rather be learning lessons while we’re still winning. I think our guys are still open to the fact that we know we can be better. We have a higher standard set for our game.”
Valeri Nichushkin scored in the middle frame to push the lead to 2-0.
“When the first unit doesn’t score, that’s when I like to create something,” Montreal’s Samuel Girard said. “‘Val’ was in a good position in front of the net and it was a nice play by him. He went five-hole. That’s our job, to give momentum to the team or score as well.”
Artturi Lehkonen hit for Montreal’s first goal of the night in the second period.
Cayden Primeau made 43 saves in the Canadiens loss.
“That helps you get into the game early when you’re seeing a bunch of shots,” Primeau said. “And credit to the guys. I know it’s cliche, but they blocked a bunch and put their bodies on the line. So, yeah, they could have had even more shots, but the guys definitely helped out.”


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