A relentlessly up-tempo Montreal team, led by newcomers Scott Gomez and Mike Cammalleri, led the way for a Habs victory over a Florida club playing their third game in as many nights. Former Panthers coach/GM Jacques Martin gained his first win on home ice, secured by a goal from Matt D’Agostini in the second frame.
A 17-7 shot advantage by the home team in the first period sealed the cause for Montreal, though a similar 17-5 comeback by Florida kept it close in the third. Scott Clemmensen – mortared in the majority of his appearance – stopped 23 of 26 shots over two periods. Alex Salak blanked 5 of 5 to close the third.
David Booth and Evgeni Dadonov scored for the Cats. Booth led the team with six shots on goal.
Florida heads to Edmonton for their fourth game – in four days – tomorrow evening at 9pm local.