Byron scores in dying seconds to propel Habs over Preds
MONTREAL -- Paul Byron scored with 8.3 seconds left to lift the Montreal Canadiens to a 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night at the Bell Centre.
Brendan Gallagher also scored for Montreal (36-21-8), which won in regulation for the first time since Jan. 31.
Ryan Ellis replied for the Predators.
Byron beat out Matt Irwin to break in alone on Pekka Rinne. Rinne, who made 24 saves, thought he had control of the puck, but it trickled through his legs, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Carey Price made 24 saves for the Canadiens, who won their fourth straight.
After an early Montreal power play resulted in nothing, the Canadiens had a chance later when Tomas Plekanec negated a Predators clearing attempt before dishing off to Andrew Shaw for a scoring opportunity in close.
Some quick passing by Nashville led to Mike Fisher setting up Kevin Fiala for a chance alone in front, but the 20-year-old airmailed the puck well over the net.
The Predators' power play continued to click to put the visitors ahead at 18:25 of the first period. Nashville won a battle behind the net before getting the puck to P.K. Subban at the point, who fed Ellis at the top of the left circle.
Ellis' night would ultimately be cut short in the second period when he had to be helped off the ice midway through the frame with what appeared to be a leg injury.
A defensive miscue by the Canadiens opened the door to a Predators 3-on-1, but Jordie Benn got his stick in the way just in time to deny an opportunity.
Fiala had yet another good chance later in the second when his shot trickled through Price, but hit the far post before Montreal cleared it from the crease.
Gallagher tied at 10:55 of the third period when his wraparound attempt went in off Irwin. The goal snapped a 10-game goal-less drought for the struggling winger.
NOTES: The Predators let former Canadiens D P.K. Subban take a solo lap on the ice during warm-ups, drawing loud cheers and chants of "P.K.! P.K.!" from the crowd. ... Just before puck drop, the Canadiens honored Subban's with a video featuring highlights from his six years in a Habs uniform. ... Montreal scratched C/W Brian Flynn, C Steve Ott, LW Andreas Martinsen, D Nikita Nesterov and D Brandon Davidson. ... Nashville scratched C Colton Sissons, LW Harry Zolnierczyk, RW Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau (injured), D Anthony Bitetto and D Brad Hunt.