Koivu scores twice as Habs beat Isles

Canadian Press
12/7/2006 10:12:30 PM

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) - Saku Koivu's two power-play goals powered the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday night.

Craig Rivet and Guillaume Latendresse also scored for Montreal, which moved five points ahead of Toronto and Ottawa for second place in the Northeast Division. Cristobal Huet stopped 25 shots for his 11th win.

Arron Asham and Mike Sillinger scored for New York, losers of two straight at home. Rick DiPietro had 32 saves.

The Islanders, who enjoyed a two-day stay atop the Atlantic Division, fell to third place, two points behind the Rangers and Devils.

Asham gave New York an early lead, tipping Jason Blake's slapshot over Huet's shoulder 25 seconds into the contest.

Rivet tied the score at 5:36 when his wrist shot from the outer edge of the left circle beat DiPietro.

Latendresse put Montreal ahead with 29.8 seconds left in the period. He grabbed the rebound of Sheldon Souray's shot and tucked it inside the post.

The teams traded second period power-play goals.

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