The Montreal Canadiens moved ahead of the Boston Bruins into first place in the Atlantic Division with a 5-2 victory in Boston on Thursday, ending the Bruins’ seven-game home winning streak.

Josh Anderson and Jake Evans each contributed a goal and an assist, while Jacob Fowler stopped 30 shots, according to Associated Press reporting published by Sportsnet. Montreal entered the game one point behind Boston and improved to 9-0-3 over its past 12 games.

Kirby Dach started the scoring at 2:34 of the first period. Using his reach as he skated behind Jeremy Swayman’s net, Dach finished a wraparound for his second goal of the season.

Anderson then put Montreal ahead 2-0 in the opening period, positioning himself in front of Swayman and deflecting in a rebound for his eighth goal. He later supplied the pass that sent Evans in on a breakaway for Montreal’s third goal.

Cole Caufield made it 4-0 at 11:46 of the second period, firing into the top corner from just outside the left circle. That goal ended Swayman’s night after he allowed four goals on 17 shots.

Michael DiPietro took over and made 13 saves. It was the first time this season that Boston had changed goaltenders during a game.

Phillip Danault extended the Canadiens’ lead to 5-0 with a long one-timer from the top of the right circle before Casey Mittelstadt supplied both Boston goals. Mittelstadt used a backhand move for his first, then scored again in the opening minute of the third period.

The Bruins finished with a 32-30 advantage in shots, but could not overcome Montreal’s early scoring. The Canadiens improved to 10-0-2 when leading after two periods.

Thursday’s game was the first of four regular-season meetings between the Original Six opponents. Boston continues its four-game homestand Saturday against the Minnesota Wild.

Sources