Canadiens defeat Bruins in Winter Classic

"The Neutral Zone" Game Report

Paul Byron gave the Canadiens a two-goal lead early in the second
period.

(PHOTO: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Montreal Canadiens opened the new year with a bang at the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium after spiraling down the Atlantic Division standings in the final days of 2015.

The Canadiens got five goals from four players, six points from a top line that was together for the first time in 18 games, and 27 saves from goalie Mike Condon to defeat the Boston Bruins 5-1 at Gillette Stadium on Friday.

Montreal forward Brendan Gallagher had a goal and an assist in his first game since sustaining a hand injury Nov. 22. Linemates Max Pacioretty and Tomas Plekanec each had two points, including a goal by Pacioretty.

Forward Paul Byron scored two goals and David Desharnais had one for the Canadiens (22-15-3), who moved back into first place in the Atlantic Division with the win. Montreal relinquished the top spot going 3-11-0 in December.

Forward Matt Beleskey scored and goalie Tuukka Rask made 25 saves for the Bruins (20-13-4), who were playing without injured center David Krejci and suspended left wing Brad Marchand. The Bruins' top-ranked power play went 0-for-3.

Gallagher officially back for Winter Classic

"The Neutral Zone" Roster Report

Brendan Gallagher

Montreal will indeed have the services of forward Brendan Gallagher for the Winter Classic.

Gallagher pronounced himself fit after taking part in practice at Gillette Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

"I'm proud to announce Brendan Gallagher will be playing in the Winter Classic," Montreal captain Max Pacioretty said at the start of his press conference.

Gallagher says he has received 100 percent clearance for the game and did not want to return for selfish reasons.

Gallagher has missed 17 games due to a hand injury suffered when blocking a shot. He had 19 points in 22 games prior to the injury.

Bruins' Marchand suspended 3 games, to miss Winter Classic

"The Neutral Zone" Suspension Report

Brad Marchand

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand was suspended three games without pay, including the Winter Classic, by the NHL on Wednesday for clipping Ottawa defenceman Mark Borowiecki.

Marchand upended Borowiecki away from the puck during the first period in Boston's 7-3 home victory Tuesday night. The 5-foot-9 Bruins forward swooped down and took out the 6-foot-2 Borowiecki at his knees. Borowiecki wasn't injured on the play

Marchand was punished as a repeat offender. He has previously been suspended three times and fined another during his career, including three lower-body infractions. One of those suspensions came after a similar hip check on Sami Salo in 2012.

The suspension will cost Marchand $164,634. He has 15 goals and 11 assists in 34 games this season.

The Bruins will face the Montreal Canadiens in the Winter Classic on Friday at Gillette Stadium.