In Sunrise, the Montreal Canadiens clinched first place in the Atlantic Division with a 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers.
Artturi Lehkonen struck twicefor the Habs to lead the offense.
“We’re happy with the win,” Montreal head coach Claude Julien said. “We clinched first place, and now it’s continuing to try and improve ourselves as a team to make sure we head into the playoffs the right way. We’re going to put a lot of emphasis on those things that make a difference in a game and in a series. We’re real happy about that. It gives us home-ice advantage for a good portion of the playoffs.”
Charlie Lindgren made 31 saves for the win in his first start of the season.
“He was very good,” Julien said. “In the second period when I thought we struggled, he gave us an opportunity to stay in the game. We found a way in the third period to play better and to win the game for him. I thought he was solid. I really enjoyed the way he played tonight, and it just bodes well for the future of this organization.”
Andrew Shaw and Alexander Radulov also scor4d for the Canadiens.
“It’s a good feeling knowing that we’re rolling right now. We want to keep going and want guys to feel good about their game, and obviously the offense is coming at the right time and hopefully we can maintain that,” the Canadiens’ Max Pacioretty said of making the playoffs and taking first in the division.
Jonathan Marchessault was the lone goal scorer for the Panthers.
“It’s an empty feeling,” Marchessault said. “If you don’t make the playoffs, it’s almost for nothing.”
WATCH: All Canadiens vs. Panthers highlights
Reto Berra made 27 saves in taking the loss.
“Our goalie played really well and we did some good things, but it’s the same old stuff when you don’t drive the net hard enough and finish chances,” Panthers head coach Tom Rowe said.
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