Canadiens Top Hurricanes 3-1 for Fifth Straight Win

RALEIGH, N.C. Nick Suzuki scored twice and added an assist to power the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday night.

The win marked Montreal's fifth consecutive victory and completed a season sweep of their three regular-season matchups against the Metropolitan Division-leading Hurricanes. Playing before a sellout crowd at PNC Arena, the Canadiens erased an early deficit with a dominant three-goal second period, extending their push in a competitive Atlantic Division playoff race.

Carolina struck first when Andrei Svechnikov converted a power-play opportunity at 8:37 of the opening period, giving the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead. It was Svechnikov's eighth power-play goal in 16 chances this season, though Carolina failed to capitalize on either of its two additional man-advantage situations later in the game.

Montreal responded forcefully in the middle frame. Suzuki evened the score at 1-1 just 6:18 in, slipping a shot past Frederik Andersen after beating a diving Sean Walker to the net. The Canadiens then pulled ahead when goalie Jakub Dobes made a crucial glove save on Jordan Staal with 3:13 remaining in the period. Moments later, Suzuki drew two...