Canadiens Build Five-Goal Lead, Defeat Bruins 5-2

Montreal scored twice in the first period and added three more in the second to take a 5-0 lead over Boston at TD Garden. The Canadiens held on for a 5-2 win, moving to 12-3-4 with 28 points and passing the Bruins, who have 27 points at 13-5-1, in the Atlantic Division.

Kirby Dach opened the scoring by circling behind Jeremy Swayman’s net and putting the puck past the Boston goalie. Josh Anderson made it 2-0 after settling a bouncing puck near the crease and sending it between Swayman’s pads.

Boston pressed at the start of the second, but two aggressive pinches by Bruins defensemen left Montreal with breakaways. Jake Evans and Cole Caufield converted, extending the lead to 4-0. Bruins coach Marco Sturm then replaced Swayman, marking his first midgame goalie change of the season.

Phillip Danault scored on a one-timer against Michael DiPietro to make it 5-0. Casey Mittelstadt scored near period’s end, then shortly after the next began, providing both Boston goals, but the Bruins could not close the gap.