NEW YORK (AP) Montreal welcomed back star goaltender Carey Price and continued its winning ways with a 5-3 victory over the New York Islanders on Friday, re-establishing the Canadiens as the NHL Eastern Conference pacesetter.
The Canadiens stretched their lead atop the Atlantic Division to nine points and moved two points above the Metropolitan Division-leading New York Rangers.
Elsewhere, Detroit edged Los Angeles, and Calgary’s Johnny Gaudreau scored the overtime winner in a victory over Chicago.
Montreal’s Price, the NHL’s reigning MVP, made 33 saves in his first game back after an eight-game injury absence.
Jeff Petry had his first two-goal game, while Tomas Fleischmann, Nathan Beaulieu and Brendan Gallagher also scored for the Canadiens.
Brock Nelson scored twice, and Travis Hamonic added a goal for New York.
Detroit’s Mike Green and Dylan Larkin put the Red Wings ahead with second-period goals and they held on to edge Los Angeles 3-2.
Tomas Tatar also scored for the Red Wings and goaltender Petr Mrazek made 35 saves.
Jeff Carter scored twice for the Kings.
Calgary’s Gaudreau had a highlight-reel goal 1:38 into overtime to give the Flames a 2-1 victory over Chicago.
Gaudreau chased down his own rebound and then went backhand-to-forehand before beating goalie Scott Darling from in tight, giving the Flames a perfect 5-0 record in games settled in overtime.
Sean Monahan also scored for Calgary, which has won four in a row at home.
Artem Anisimov scored for the Blackhawks, while Patrick Kane’s points streak ended at 14 games.
Columbus’ Sergei Bobrovsky made 39 saves for his 12th career shutout as the Blue Jackets beat Nashville 4-0.
Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl and Taylor Hall each had a goal and two assists as the Oilers beat New Jersey 5-1 to snap a three-game losing sequence.
Toronto’s Joffrey Lupul beat Cam Ward to the glove side in the fifth round of the shootout to lift the Maple Leafs past Carolina 2-1.
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