Kovalchuk nets OT winner for Canadiens

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Maybe there is life in hockey for a late 30-something player.

On Saturday night, Ilya Kovalchuk scored 1:43 into extra time and the Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs, 2-1, in Montreal.

Ilya Kovalchuk scored OT winner for Canadiens – file photo by Lewis Bleiman

“I think right now, of course we’ve got to rely on ourselves, but we’ve got to be aware of what’s going on around the League because every game, every team, it’s so close right now,” Kovalchuk said. “And we just believe in ourselves. We battled through some injuries, some flu and everything, and I think it’s just going to make us stronger.”

The Habs’ Marco Scandella forced extra time when he scored late in the third period to get the teams even.

Carey Price made 22 saves in the win.

“I thought we played a good game and a hard game,” Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said. “I thought we competed. What happens in the third period today is a lot different than what happens [Friday]. [Friday] we’re not engaged, we’re not competitive or physical enough and on our heels. This game here, I thought we defended very well, defended very hard and didn’t give up the middle of the ice much at all. We just were very poor with the puck. When you have a team that’s pushing, they have the energy of the crowd and you just continuously give them the puck, you’re going to be on your heels a lot.”

John Tavares was the lone goal scorer for the Leafs.

“Obviously we got the lead, you know they came with a lot of momentum and desperation,” Tavares said. “It’s human nature to be a little bit safer in those certain circumstances, but certainly we’ve got to find a way to get on their half of the ice more and generate some more offense and push to increase our lead and continue to be smart with the puck and defensively.”

[WATCH: All Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens highlights]

Jack Campbell made 28 saves in the OT loss.

“I’m just definitely not happy, giving that one up, you know, to give them life again and blow that lead and in the third,” Campbell said. “I just know my ability and I’m confident with my team in front of me, and they battled all night, so one more save and we get two points.”