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.