The wins keep coming for Carey Price and the Canadiens, but for the Devils, victories remain elusive.
Michael Bournival scored his first two goals of the season and Price made 22 saves on a personal milestone night and the Canadiens extended their winning streak to five with a 4-2 victory over the Devils on Friday night at Prudential Center.
The Devils are headed in the opposite direction. They have two wins in the past 12 games (2-7-3).
Rookie goalie Keith Kinkaid also made 22 stops. Michael Ryder got a goal in his return after missing three games with the mumps. Mike Cammalleri also scored for the Devils.
Down 3-0 in the third period, the Devils scored two late goals to make it close.
“The first two periods, I don’t think we gave ourselves a chance,” general manager and co-coach Lou Lamoriello said.
“We had too many turnovers and a lack of discipline, but we played better in the third period. We came back. We had an opportunity. That’s what you ask for.”
Price got his 200th victory in his 400th game as Montreal won for the eighth time in the past nine games. The team publicity staff grabbed the game puck for future presentation.
“It’s a lot of fun to be able to accomplish that tonight,” Price said of the 200th win. “There have been ups and downs along the way, but to finally get this means a lot. The organization will do a nice job and put the puck on a plaque. It’s just fun right now to come to the rink, and play with these guys.”
Price lost his shutout bid early in the third period when Ryder stole the puck from Alexei Emelin at the Montreal blue line. Ryder skated down the right wing and beat Price to the short side for his first goal since Nov. 6.
“I felt pretty good,” Ryder said. “I didn’t feel like I missed a step. It’s a matter of playing the way I can and show the coaches that they can have confidence in me out there and I can help the team.”