Montreal, QC – In a commanding performance at the Bell Centre on Monday night, the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Vancouver Canucks 6-3, highlighted by a multi-goal game from defenseman Alexandre Carrier, who also achieved his 100th career point. The Canadiens (26-14-6) demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from a 4-0 shutout loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Meanwhile, the Canucks' struggles continued, marked by their seventh consecutive loss.

The Canadiens broke a 2-2 tie in the second period with Carrier scoring two goals in a mere 20-second span. His first goal marked his 100th career point, and the game was also the first time the 29-year-old had scored multiple goals in a single game.

Montreal sealed the victory with a three-goal outburst in the third period. Mike Matheson and Juraj Slafkovsky scored just 37 seconds apart to start the period, shifting the momentum firmly in favor of the Canadiens. Oliver Kapanen also added to the scoring spree in the final frame. Noah Dobson contributed a goal as well for the Canadiens, who secured their fourth straight win against the Canucks. Ivan Demidov contributed three assists, while Nick Suzuki and Alexandre Texier each had two.

Jakub Dobes, making his first start since January 1st, stopped 20 shots, securing his second win against Vancouver this season. For the Canucks, Elias Pettersson, Evander Kane, and Max Sasson managed to find the back of the net. Nikita Tolopilo, recalled from the AHL affiliate in Abbotsford under emergency conditions due to Thatcher Demko's injury, made 35 saves in his first appearance since December 8th. Demko has returned to Vancouver to be evaluated by the team's medical staff after suffering a lower-body injury.

The Canucks (16-24-5) have had a difficult start to their six-game Eastern Conference road trip, losing all four games thus far. They have lost nine of their last ten games overall.

Despite the loss, the Canucks managed to score the opening goal of the game, marking the first time in six games they have done so and their first lead since December 30th. The Canadiens, on the other hand, have allowed at least three goals in consecutive games, a situation they hadn't faced since December 7-9.

Looking ahead, the Canadiens will travel to Washington to face the Capitals, while the Canucks will visit the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.