Montembeault stops 27, Canadiens end Avalanche's 9-game ...

Nathan MacKinnon scored to extend his home point streak to 35 games and overall point streak to 19 games for the Avalanche (46-21-5), who had won 11 of 12. Justus Annunen made 25 saves.

“It's frustrating because we didn't check hard enough in the first period, you know? So tonight, we don't outscore our mistakes,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar said. “Their goalie played well, and we missed on some really good opportunities, and we don't get the equalizer. We had to fight the whole game to try and get it. Couldn't get it, and so every time you lose, it's frustrating, but it is what it is. We got to take it, learn from it, and move on.”

MacKinnon has 77 points (29 goals, 48 assists) during his season-opening home streak, which is the second-longest in NHL history. Wayne Gretzky owns the record at 40 games (Los Angeles Kings, 1988-89). MacKinnon also became the first player in NHL history to have two point streaks of at least 19 games in the same season.

MacKinnon gave the Avalanche a 1-0 lead 43 seconds into the game on a one-timer from the right circle. Mikko Rantanen made a shovel pass at the left side of the net, floating the puck across to MacKinnon.

“You have to respect every team in this league,” Colorado defenseman Cale Makar said. “Even my dad was telling me like how good they've been lately just in terms of just work ethic. So, we're always prepared going into games. It's not like we're underestimating teams.”