Monday, Oct. 26, 2009

Recap: Montreal vs. NY Islanders

Roman Hamrlik notched the game-winning goal 1:32 into overtime as the Montreal Canadiens escaped with a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders at Bell Centre.

In the extra period, Tomas Plekanec started an end-to-end rush in his own defensive zone, brought it into the New York end and flipped the puck over sprawling Islanders defenseman Bruno Gervais to Hamrlik, who roofed it past Martin Biron for the game-winner.

Travis Moen registered a goal and an assist, while Jaroslav Spacek also tallied for Montreal, which has won four straight after dropping the previous five games.

Jaroslav Halak, claimed his fourth win in a row after turning aside 29-of-31 shots.

"Obviously we were flat in the second period," Hamrlik said. "We worked hard and were lucky tonight. We should take a lesson from this. We're happy with the two points, but we have to compete a little harder."

Jeff Tambellini notched both goals for the Islanders, who have lost three straight and nine of 10 to start the season, with five of the setbacks coming by the way of overtime or shootout. Biron made 28 saves in defeat.

"We found a way to comeback twice in a pretty hostile barn," Tambellini said. "Our penalty killing was fantastic, didn't give up too much, but we found a way to get a point and take positive things tonight."

In the third period with the game even at one, Montreal went in front at 7:44. Mike Cammalleri threw the puck toward the net from the left wing boards and Moen deflected it home while standing on the doorstep.

Tambellini's second power-play marker with 4:16 remaining in the third on a nice feed from Matt Moulson tied the game at two.

Despite each team getting chances to break the deadlock in the remaining regulation time, neither could score and the game with into overtime.

Montreal got the scoring started with 6:26 left in the opening period. Glen Metropolit controlled the puck behind the net, then dished to Spacek, who was coming in late from his right point position and beat Biron to the glove side.

Tambellini's power-play goal tied things with 1:42 to play in the second when he made a strong move toward the net and tucked the puck through Halak's pads from in close.

Game Notes