Toronto, Canada – MONTREAL (Reuters) - Mike Cammalleri broke out of a mini slump with a second-period hat-trick to help the Montreal Canadiens celebrate their 100th anniversary with a 5-1 win over the Boston Bruins on Friday.
The victory for the Canadiens (13-14-2), who brought back former players to celebrate their 100th season, snapped a four-game losing streak.
"This was amazing for anyone who is a fan of sports," Cammalleri told reporters when asked about the celebrations.
"I would hope we would have played like that anyway, but for sure, it hit an emotional chord."
Cammalleri, who had not scored in his previous four games, broke out of his slump by scoring three times in the second period as the home team built a 5-0 advantage.
The aggressive winger scored his first of the night eight minutes into the second period, then made it 3-0 to the Canadiens five minutes later.
Glen Metropolit pushed the score to 4-0 before Cammalleri banged in a slap shot at 17:29 to claim the fourth hat-trick of his career.
Jaroslav Spacek had opened the scoring for the home side after 8:30 of the first period.
"We all played inspired hockey," Montreal goalie Carey Price said after finishing with 37 saves.
"There were a lot of faces I grew up watching. We were pumped up watching the guys and chatting with the vets, we really wanted to win this one."
Boston netminder Tim Thomas, who won the Vezina Trophy last season as the NHL's top goaltender, allowed five goals on 23 shots before being pulled after the costly second period.
Vladimir Sobotka converted a consolation tip-in at 4:45 in the third for Boston (14-9-5), who lost for just the second time in eight games. They trail the Northeast division leading Buffalo Sabres by one point.
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Phoenix, Arizona; Editing by Patrick Johnston; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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