The Montreal Canadiens scored four times in the first period to beat the Detroit Red Wings, 7-2, on Wednesday night.
After giving up four goals on 12 shots, Wings coach Mike Babcock pulled All-Star Jimmy Howard after the first period.
Backup goaltender Ty Conklin did not have an immediate impact, as he gave up the first two shots against him to begin the second period. He finished the game with 10 saves on 13 shots.
Rene Bourque opened the scoring, netting his 15th of the year 5:08 into the game. Alexei Emelin beat Howard almost six minutes later for his first NHL goal.
