MONTREAL (AP) Montreal’s Thomas Fleischmann contributed two goals and an assist as the Canadiens continued their strong start to the NHL season by beating Winnipeg 5-1 on Sunday.
The Canadiens improved to 12-2 and, at this early part of the season, they are already eight points clear atop the Atlantic Division, ahead of Tampa Bay, which ended a four-game skid with a narrow win at Carolina.
Paul Byron, David Desharnais and Lars Eller also scored for the Canadiens, who have a perfect record from five home games.
Chris Thorburn scored for sole goal for Winnipeg.
Jets goaltender Michael Hutchison lasted less than half the game after giving up four goals on just nine shots.
Tampa Bay’s Ryan Callahan and Steven Stamkos scored in the second period as the Lightning won 4-3 at Carolina.
J.T. Brown and Tyler Johnson scored in the third.
Eric Staal, Kris Versteeg and Jordan Staal scored for Carolina, which had won its previous three games.
Buffalo’s Sam Reinhart broke a tie with 6:16 remaining to rally the Sabres past the new York Islanders 2-1.
Matt Moulson also scored in the third period for the Sabres.
Calvin de Haan scored his first goal of the season for the Islanders, who have lost three straight.
Anaheim’s Chris Stewart had a goal and two assists and Frederick Andersen stopped 40 shots as the Ducks beat Nashville 4-2.
San Jose’s Brent Burns broke a tie with 1:39 left to help the Sharks beat Colorado 4-3.
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