NHL: Montreal 3, Tampa Bay 1

MONTREAL, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Max Pacioretty scored the go-ahead goal and added an assist Saturday in the Montreal Canadiens' 3-1 victory over Tampa Bay.

Pacioretty fired a forehand shot past Lightning goalie Mathieu Garon after P.K. Subban sprung him on a breakaway with a long pass, handing the Habs a 2-1 lead 7:17 into the middle frame.

Mike Blunden's goal less than 2 minutes earlier had forged a 1-1 tie for Montreal, which won consecutive games for the first time under Coach Randy Cunneyworth.

Erik Cole also found the net and Carey Price turned aside 23-of-24 shots in the win.

Tampa Bay's only goal went to Vincent Lecavalier and Garon finished with 25 saves as the Bolts dropped their third straight.