Crosby, Penguins take down Canadiens 6-1

October 28, 11:06 PMMontreal Canadiens ExaminerHeather Engel

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The Canadiens couldn't contain Sidney Crosby, who scored his
third career hat trick. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Two teams looking to stay hot but in the end, only one would. The heat favored the Penguins over the Canadiens on this night, by a 6-1 final. The loss snapped Montreal’s four-game winning streak and improved Pittsburgh to an NHL-best 10-2-0 record.

The Canadiens jumped out to a solid start, putting pressure on the home team and earning some chances. But as the game progressed, mistakes and missed opportunities ultimately doomed Jacques Martin’s crew in their first road game since Oct. 10. Sidney Crosby was left alone on several occasions and made the Canadiens pay the price. The Penguins captain notched his 3rd career hat trick – and had nine shots on goal – while linemates Bill Guerin and Chris Kunitz each chipped in with three assists. Kunitz also added a goal.

• VIDEO: Game highlights

Tomas Plekanec scored the lone Habs goal on a 5-on-3 in the third period. Maxim Lapierre was responsible for a team-best five shots of the Canadiens’ 24 directed at Marc-André Fleury. Fleury, who’s making a strong case in favor of a spot on Team Canada at the Olympics, made a several saves to keep his team ahead..

Down 4-0 heading after two frames, Carey Price came on in relief of Jaroslav Halak as the teams came out for the third period. It was the first game action for Price since Oct. 17 against the Ottawa Senators. Halak made 19 saves on 23 shots while Price was 2-for-14.

Perhaps in an effort to keep his players fresh with back-to-back games on the horizon, Martin spread the ice time around all four lines against the Penguins. Each player reached double digits in minutes; Roman Hamrlik logged 22:24 of ice time, the most among his teammates.

Another high-flying opponent awaits the Canadiens in their next game. They’ll face the Central Division-leading Blackhawks on Friday night in Chicago.

Event summary | Game sheet