In Edmonton, the Oilers scored four goals in the third period, including three in a span of 3:10 to defeat the visiting Montreal Canadiens, 4-1, on Monday night.
Connor McDavid had a goal and three points in the win, and started the outburst in the third to give the Oilers a 2-1 lead.
“I thought they kind of got the jump on us in the first 10 minutes and I thought we did a good job of responding physically,” McDavid said. “I thought we got our hands back as the night went on and started to make some passes and sped our game up. That’s a team that’s had our number for whatever reason this year (Oilers are 2-3-1 against Canadiens), and that’s a big win for our group.”
Mike Smith made 22 saves to get the win.
Eric Staal was the lone goal scorer for the Habs.
Jesse Puljujarvi had a goal and two points for Edmonton.
“I liked that we got better as the game went on because we weren’t very good early,” Oilers head coach Dave Tippett said. “We got a lot better. The third period was a strong period for us, we kept the pressure on them and capitalized on some chances. But early in the game, we just weren’t real crisp with the puck, we needed to get our feet going a little better. But as the game went on we got better and we found a way to win.”,
Ethan Bear tied the game near the midway point of the third period.
“It felt amazing, it had been a long time for me,” Bear said. “Connor just laid it on a platter, and I just wanted to shoot as hard as I can. To contribute and to bring some energy, and go to the bench and see all the smiles on everyone’s faces and everyone is fired up, that’s a play in the game that I haven’t felt in a long time and it feels really good.”
Devin Shore closed out the scoring with an empty-net goal.
“I thought we did a good job of taking [McDavid’s] time and space early on,” Montreal’s Corey Petry said. “That last 10 minutes they were able to tie the game and then their momentum took over. I think that’s where down the stretch games are going to be tight and whether we’re up a goal or down a goal, we have to make sure we’re mature in our game and not shy away from it. They gained momentum from that goal and they kept rolling from there.”
Carey Price got the start for the Canadiens, but did not ice after the first intermission.
“With five minutes to go, McDavid gets the puck and speeds up,” Canadiens coach Dominique Ducharme said. “I think overall, we played two pretty solid periods; we can say 50 minutes. At one point we were good containing those guys, but he’s probably the best player in the world now and he made the difference with five minutes to go.”
Jake Allen made 25 saves in relief.
“It’s unfortunate for Carey, but that’s what I’m here for,” Allen said. “I’m here to step up when guys go down. That’s my job. So I’ve got to always be ready.”
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