NHL Roundup : Backup Goalie Helps Canadiens Keep Streak Going

Montreal Canadiens Coach Jean Perron will have a difficult decision to make when goaltender Patrick Roy returns from his eight-game suspension.

Brian Hayward, Roy’s replacement, made 25 saves Monday night to help the Canadiens extend their unbeaten streak to seven games with a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal.

Hayward has played the last six games and will play in at least two more before Roy comes back.

“That may have not been the best game I have played, but it certainly was the best the team has played for me in the six I have played since Patrick was set down,” Hayward said.

Montreal’s Claude Lemieux scored at 11:43 of the first period to tie the score, 1-1, after Peter Ihnacak had given the Maple Leafs the lead at 10:28.

Later, Stephane Richer put Montreal ahead at 17:39 of the period with his ninth goal on a power play.

Chris Nilan added the Canadiens’ third goal at 9:53 of the third period.

Quebec 6, Boston 4--Anton Stastny scored two goals, and Michel Goulet added a goal and three assists as the Nordiques won their fourth straight game at Quebec.

Bob Sweeney, Jay Miller, Rick Middleton and Randy Burridge scored for Boston, which has won once in its last seven games.