The Canadian defeats the Blue Jackets 3-0

(Montreal) The Canadian struck early and did what was necessary to win Tuesday night at the Bell Center.

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Montreal scored three goals on its first four shots on goal and won 3-0 over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Habs had fun at the expense of goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, who managed just one save in less than six minutes of action.

The hosts spent most of the match defending, which was not always convincing. Fortunately for the fans, the Canadian was not facing one of the powerhouses of the ring, otherwise a three-goal lead might not have been enough.

Brendan Gallagher, Yura Slavkovsky and Joshua Roy scored for the Canadian (25-30-10), who won for the second time in six matches (2-2-2). Cayden Primeau made 41 saves to record his second shutout of the season.

Primo defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-0 in his previous start at the Bell Center on February 13.

The Blue Jackets (22-33-10) suffered their third loss in four games. Merzlikins gave up his net to Daniil Tarasov after just 5:48 to play, and Tarasov stopped 19 shots.

Defenseman Jonathan Kovacevic returns to the Canadian lineup after being ruled out of the previous three games. Jordan Harris made way for him.

The Canadian will play his next game on Thursday, when the Boston Bruins are the visitors at the Bell Center.

Three quick shots

Gallagher started the fight just 21 seconds into the game, as he alone in front of the net deflected a pass from Jake Evans beyond Merzlikins.

On the line, Gallagher collected 415^H point with the Canadian, allowing him to join Yvonne Lambert at the age of 34^H In the team's history in this regard.

Boone Jenner wasted an opportunity to quickly respond to the Blue Jackets. He presented himself alone in front of Primo but missed the target.

The Canadian widened the gap on the power play at 3:15, and Slavkovski got the goal with a powerful shot that Merzlikins couldn't control.

Primo had to stand out again soon after his side scored. This time, he caused his misfortune by sending a reply directly to Alexandre Tixier. But the American goalkeeper stole a goal from the French striker with his glove.

Roy then scored the Canadian's third goal at 5:48. Arber Xhekaj fired a cannon ball from the blue line. The puck deflected off Roy before hitting the post, then bounced off Merzlikins' back. He finished his race behind the goal line.

The Blue Jackets finished the first half with 22 shots on goal. Dmitry Voronkov also threatened to hit the post on a breakaway during the Blue Jackets' power play.

The Blue Jackets didn't let up in the second half and Primeau had to be on his toes to preserve the Canadian's lead.

Primo was assisted by Mike Matheson, when Jenner appeared alone in front of him in the first sequence of the second period.

At the other end of the ice, Tarasov also stood out. He stabbed the puck when Alex Newhook thought he found himself in front of an open cage after a good exchange with Roy.

Tarasov was also lucky when Kayden Guhle hit the crossbar after leaving the penalty area.

Adam Boqvist also hit the post during a Blue Jackets power play early in the third period. The rest of the engagement was just a formality.

The match ended with spectators chanting Primo's name.