NHL: Montreal 5, Ottawa 3

MONTREAL, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- A rejuvenated Andrei Kovalev had one goal and two assists Saturday, and the Montreal Canadiens skated to a 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators.

Kovalev's unassisted goal, his 14th this season, gave Montreal a 2-0 lead at 5:38 of the first period. He also assisted on power-play goals by Tomas Plekanec (15th this season) at 2:23 of the first, and Patrice Brisebois (fifth this season) at 6:47 of the second.

Kovalev had been sent home by Montreal General Manager Bob Gainey Tuesday for what was termed a lack of energy and emotion.

Mathieu Schneider (power play) and Mathieu Dandenault also scored once each for Ottawa. Roman Hamrlik added two assists.

Jaroslav Halak was credited with 44 saves on 47 shots for the Canadiens, who ended their three-game losing streak.

Ottawa got two goals from Dany Heatley and one from Jarkko Ruutu. Jason Spezza had two assists, while Brian Elliott and Alex Auld combined to allow five goals on 32 shots in the Senators' third straight loss.