Montreal Canadiens fans at the Bell Center got their fill on Saturday night as they watched their favorites make short work of the Columbus Blue Jackets and win 8-2.

No fewer than four players picked up three or more points, including Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, who became hero of the match with a hat-trick. Nick Suzuki was not surpassed with four points, a personal all-game high. The CH captain, who has scored 10 points in his last four games, equaled his all-season record of 61 points.

After the Jackets opened the scoring after just 92 seconds, Mike Hoffman answered for the Canadian. Despite a full sight from AJ Greer’s swipe earlier this week, the outsider hit the target with an excellent shot. He added two assists to his tally.

Brendan Gallagher had a good game with one goal and one assist. His net, scored in the second half between those of Harvey-Pinard, was his first since January 3. Alex Belzile and Jesse Ylönen completed the classification.

Before the cage, Samuel Montembeault gave up twice in the first twenty before closing the door on the Blue Jackets. He finished his work night with 20 saves.

The Canadiens will return to the streets Monday to take on the Buffalo Sabers.

SUMMARY

THIRD PERIOD

20:00 – end of period.

13:49 – TOR MTL 8-2 Nick Suzuki fires a weak shot that escapes Michael Hutchinson. It’s his 23rd of the season and his fourth point of the game. Johnathan Kovacevic and Jordan Harris get assists.

11:48 – TOR MTL 7-2 It’s Alex Belzile’s turn to join the celebration. His fifth win of the season gives Montreal a five-goal lead.

00:00- beginning of the period.

SECOND PERIOD

20:00- end of period.

17:02- Jonathan Drouin is expelled. The Blue Jackets play on the power play. Michael Hutchinson replaces Elvis Merzlikins in goal for the Blue Jackets.

16:32 – TOR MTL 6-2 Rafaël Harvey-Pinard completes his hat trick on the power play. Mike Hoffman and Mike Matheson get assists. Montreal leads 6-2.

15:10- Adam Boqvist is kicked out. The Canadians will play on the power play.

13:08 – TOR MTL 5-2 Brendan Gallagher takes Jake Evans’ pass and scores his fifth goal of the season. Jesse Ylonen also gets help. Montreal leads 5-2.

09:38- Great opportunity for Jonathan Drouin, but his shot goes wide of the post.

07:13 – TOR MTL 4-2 Rafaël Harvey-Pinard puts the finishing touches on a great game and scores his second goal of the game. Mike Hoffman and Nick Suzuki get assists. Montreal leads 4-2.

03:10- Jordan Harris knocks on the door, but Elvis Merzlikins refuses to budge.

02:36- Hunter McKown is being hunted. We will develop four against four.

01:13- David Savard receives a penalty kick. The Blue Jackets play on the power play.

00:13 – TOR MTL 3-2 Mike Matheson goes there with a great maneuver from the first moments of the period. Rafaël Harvey-Pinard reclaims the return and celebrates his 10th win of the season. Nick Suzuki also gets help.

00:00- beginning of the period.

FIRST PERIOD

20:00- end of period.

18:00 – GATE CBJ 2-2 Kirill Marchenko fires a shot that hits Samuel Montembeault in the top of the net. His 19th of the season allows Columbus to tie the game.

14:18- David Savard knocks on the door, but Elvis Merzlikins refuses to budge.

10:46- Mike Hoffman is kicked out. The Blue Jackets play on the power play.

09:43 – TOR MTL 2-1 Jesse Ylonen takes advantage of the traffic in front of the net and fires a shot that hits Elvis Merzlikins. It’s his sixth this season. Brendan Gallagher and Joel Edmundson are accomplices. Montreal takes the lead.

03:39 – TOR MTL 1-1 The Canadians react quickly. Mike Hoffman hits the target with a perfect shot. His 13th of the season allowed Montreal to tie the game. Mike Matheson and Nick Suzuki are accomplices.

01:32 – GOAL CBJ 1-0 Kent Johnson discovers Lane Pederson. The latter hits the target with a one-timer shot. His third of the season opens the scoring.

00:00 – beginning of the game.

in front of the net

Elvis Merzlikin Record: 7-17-2 / Goals vs. Average: 4.10 / Savings Rate: 88%

Samuel Montembeault Record: 14-14-3 / Goals vs. Average: 3.32 / Efficiency Ratio: 90.5%

Trainer education Martin St-Louis