NHL: Ottawa 3, Montreal 1

MONTREAL, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Alex Kovalev had a goal and an assist in his return to Montreal Saturday to lead the Ottawa Senators past the Canadiens 3-1.

The popular Kovalev left Montreal as a free agent during the off-season after the Habs did not offer him a contract.

"I didn't know what to expect, the booing or the cheering," Kovalev said. "It's all about recognition and I really appreciate all the fans tonight."

Daniel Alfredsson and Chris Neil also scored for the Senators. Pascal Leclaire stopped 27 of 28 shots in goal.

Montreal, which dropped five consecutive games, had a goal from Mike Cammalleri. Carey Price allowed three goals on 21 shots.

Neil opened the scoring at 9:16 of the first period, but Cammalleri tied it with 27 seconds to play in the period.

Alfredsson broke the tie at 4:44 of the second period with an assist from Kovalev, who made it 3-1 with a goal of his own at 8:32 of the third.