Nick Schmaltz scores twice to lift Coyotes over Canadiens

Nick Schmaltz scored the winning goal 6:07 into the third period Thursday as the Arizona Coyotes picked up their fifth win of the young season, beating the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in Tempe, Ariz.

Schmaltz, who opened the scoring on an early penalty shot for the home team, scored his second of the night and eventual winner on the power play. He cut to the front of the net to tip in a cross-crease pass from Logan Cooley, who had received a lead pass from Clayton Keller.

The Coyotes bounced back on the back end of a two-game set after a dispiriting result on Wednesday night, when they fell 4-3 to the Anaheim Ducks in overtime.

On Thursday, Arizona opened the scoring 6:17 into the game after earning a penalty shot when Montreal's Justin Barron covered the puck with his hand in the crease. On his first career penalty shot, Schmaltz scored by lifting the puck over Jake Allen's pad.

The Canadiens have allowed a penalty shot in three straight games. Allen, who played in his 400th NHL game, was unable to save the attempt on a night he redirected 33 of 36 shots.

Sean Monahan tied the score 7:13 into the first period. He scored in his fourth straight game, firing a puck past Conor Ingram as Tanner Pearson provided a net-front screen in his 600th NHL game.

After a late second-period power play expired, the Coyotes regained their lead. Lawson Crouse scored his third goal of the season 19:21 into the frame, dropping to a knee on a near one-timer to beat Allen.

Brendan Gallagher tied the game early in the third period. Schmaltz gave the lead back to the Coyotes with his fourth goal of the season. With the goal and an assist, Gallagher secured his 400th point.

Both teams scored once on the power play.