The Carolina Hurricanes won one for the coach in Montreal. After trailing 3-2 going into the third period, the Canes struck three times to defeat Coach Kirk Muller’s former team. The 5-3 victory was Muller’s first against his old team and it took a gutsy effort by the Hurricanes who lost Tuomo Ruutu to injury early in the game. Eric Staal scored two goals, including the tying goal, while Jamie McBain scored the go-ahead goal late.

Canes color analyst Tripp Tracy said it was an especially big game for the Hurricanes who play seven of their next eight games at home. “This if more than just a victory,” Tracy said. “This is a victory that you put an asterisk next to that represents how hard this team is playing for each other and for the coach.”

Prior to the game, the Canadiens were 19-2 when leading after two periods plus they were on a four-game win streak.