Perreault’s Late Goal Rescues Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens salvaged a victory and denied division rival Ottawa a valuable Eastern Conference point.

Yanic Perreault scored with 17 seconds left for the Canadiens, who gave up two third-period power-play goals before defeating the Senators, 3-2, Monday night at Ottawa.

Montreal, which won for the fourth time in five games, also got a goal from Doug Gilmour, who became the 14th player to reach 1,400 career points.

“The standings are so close right now, and sometimes you win two or three games and you’re in fifth or sixth position, and you lose two or three and you’re back in ninth or 10th position,” Canadien defenseman Patrice Brisebois said.

Ottawa is second in the Northeast Division with 38 points, four ahead of third-place Montreal.

Atlanta 1, Toronto 0 -- Brad Tapper, recalled from the minors, scored in his first game this season, Pasi Nurminen got the first shutout of his career and the host Thrashers ended a six-game losing streak.

New York Rangers 2, San Jose 1 -- Mike Dunham, acquired from Nashville on Thursday, made 25 saves in his debut with the host Rangers and Petr Nedved scored 2:15 into overtime to help New York end a five-game losing streak.

Washington 2, Colorado 2 -- Goaltender Olaf Kolzig came off the injured list to make 35 saves, and the visiting Capitals salvaged a tie at Denver. It was Colorado’s 14th overtime game this season and NHL-leading ninth tie.