NHL Playoffs : Canadiens Win, Take 2-0 Lead

The Montreal Canadiens got some unexpected points from a defensive line and another good effort from goaltender Patrick Roy to beat the New York Rangers, 6-2, Saturday night and move into the driver’s seat in their Stanley Cup semifinal series.

“We took it to them in the second period and got some lucky bounces,” Montreal’s Chris Chelios said following the Canadiens’ victory that gave them a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Wales Conference final.

The Canadiens got a lift from the Guy Carbonneau-Bob Gainey-Chris Nilan line, which was on the ice primarily to contain the Rangers’ unit of Pierre Larouche, Mike Ridley and Kelly Miller.

Carbonneau scored two goals, both in the second period when the Canadiens scored four times to break the game open.

“The Rangers came at us with a fast start, particularly the first six minutes,” Carbonneau said. “Then we started to play our game. It’s a big challenge for our line.”

Carbonneau’s first goal, at 1:41 of the second period, broke a 1-1 tie.

“I cut their pass off and came in on a two-on-one break with Larry Robinson,” Carbonneau said. (Ranger goaltender John) Vanbiesbrouck made the first save. I took my time and put in the rebound. On the second, I took the puck away from (Bob) Brooke, put it past him with my skate.”