Tkachuk has hat trick in Panthers' 5-2 win over Canadiens
Florida Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 30, 2023, in Montreal. Credit: AP/Graham Hughes
MONTREAL — Matthew Tkachuk had his fifth career hat trick and one assist to lead the Florida Panthers to a 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night.
With his second goal, Tkachuk became the fourth player in NHL history to have 100 or more points in consecutive seasons after changing teams in the offseason. He joined Wayne Gretzky (1987-88, 1988-89), Jimmy Carson (1987-88, 1988-89) and Mike Rogers (1980-81, 1981-82) in achieving the feat.
Anton Lundell added two goals and one assist and Alex Lyon made 18 saves while helping the Panthers to its second win in a row and a season series sweep of Montreal.
Sean Farrell scored his first career goal and Rafael Harvey-Pinard had a goal for the Canadiens, who dropped their second in a row. Sam Montembeault made 25 saves.
Farrell opened the scoring 1:23 into the first period when the rookie took a shot from along the boards that was mishandled by Lyon and went in.
Lundell tied it at 4:09 with his 11th of the season after Montembeault gave up a rebound off a shot by Tkachuk.
Tkachuk finished off a tic-tac-toe sequence with Brandon Montour and Sam Reinhart to give the Panthers a 2-1 edge 3:59 into the second on the power play.
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault looks back after giving up a goal to Florida Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 30, 2023, in Montreal. Credit: AP/Graham Hughes
Just under two minutes later, Tkachuk scored his second, beating Montembeault with a wrist shot from the right faceoff circle.
Tkachuk completed his hat trick with 20 seconds remaining with an empty-net goal.
NOTES: The Canadiens announced C Kirby Dach will miss at least one week with an upper-body injury. ... D David Savard (lower body) is day to day. Chris Wideman replaced him in the lineup.
UP NEXT
Florida Panthers' Anton Lundell moves in to score on Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 30, 2023, in Montreal. Credit: AP/Graham Hughes
Panthers: Head to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets on Saturday.
Canadiens: Host the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.
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