NHL: Montreal 5, Atlanta 1

MONTREAL, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Chris Higgins had two goals and an assist Tuesday, leading the Montreal Canadiens to a 5-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers.

Montreal sent goalie Cristobal Huet to Washington Tuesday, leaving the starting job in the hands of 20-year-old rookie Carey Price, who blocked 26 shots.

Andrei Markov added a goal and an assist for Montreal. Maxim LaPierre and Siarhei Kostitsyn also scored and Saku Koivu added two assists in the victory.

Ilya Kovalchuk had the lone goal for the Thrashers, who traded Marian Hossa to Pittsburgh. Hossa was second on the team with 26 goals and 20 assists.

Kari Lehtonen gave up all five Montreal goals on 33 shots as Atlanta suffered its fourth straight loss.