Ryder's power-play goals lift Canadiens to win

Michael Ryder scored two power-play goals, and the Canadiens beat the Florida Panthers 5-2 on Sunday night.

David Desharnais, Brian Gionta and Francis Bouillon also scored, and P.K. Subban had three assists. Ryder has seven assists and two goals in seven games since being acquired from Dallas on Feb. 26.

Peter Budaj stopped 14 shots for the Canadiens, who won for the fourth time on their five-game trip and earned their ninth road victory of the season. The Canadiens swept the season series from the Panthers. They beat Tampa Bay 4-3 on Saturday night, scoring three goals in the final period.

"It was a sensational trip. Already, as I told the players before tonight's game, it was a good trip and we had the chance to make it exceptional," Canadiens coach Michel Therrien said. "What was impressive is the fact we played yesterday and they were fresh, but it was still us who dictated the game."

Tomas Kopecky and Shawn Matthias scored for Florida, and Jacob Markstrom made 33 saves. The Panthers have lost six of seven and 13 of 16.

"We have to do a better job on preparing for all aspects of our game," Panthers coach Kevin Dineen said. "Our starts haven't been good enough. We're playing one of the top teams in the league and they looked like it."

Ryder's second goal was scored late in the third period on a tip-in of a shot by Subban that made it 5-2.

"They brought me in to help offensively and on the power play. That's what I want to try to do and try to help the team," Ryder said. "I'm feeling a lot more comfortable on the ice now."

The Canadiens scored a pair of goals late in the second period to stretch their lead to 4-0. Subban took a shot from above the right circle that Markstrom blocked, but Gionta grabbed the rebound and poked the puck in. A little over two minutes later, Bouillon's shot from the slot beat Markstrom.