NHL: Boston 3, Montreal 2

BOSTON, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Tim Thomas turned aside 33-of-35 shots Monday and the Boston Bruins notched their 19th win in 22 games with a 3-2 decision over Montreal.

Thomas stopped 16-of-17 Montreal attempts during the third period and improved to 16-5-0 this season, as the Bruins won their sixth straight and 10th in 12 home games.

Benoit Pouliot, David Krejci and Brad Marchand scored for Boston.

Montreal lost for the ninth time in 12 games -- and dropped its second straight game under interim head Coach Randy Cunneyworth, who replaced the fired Jacques Martin Saturday.

Tomas Plekanec got a first-period goal and Erik Cole scored with 1:14 remaining in the game, but the Habs couldn't get the equalizer.

Carey Price made 28 saves for the Canadiens.