The Blue Jackets nearly got the equalizer near the midway point of the period as a long pass from Alex Wennberg gave Ryan Murray a breakaway, but Price made the save.
It was Korpisalo's turn to make a big stop with 7:51 left as Tatar intercepted a pass and skated into the slot, but the CBJ goalie snagged his attempt at a hat trick with his glove.
The ice was increasingly slanted toward Price's net over the final few minutes, but the Canadiens goalie stood tall before Joel Armia scored an empty-net goal with 2:14 left just as Korpisalo neared the bench. Armia added a second empty-net goal to set the final score.
"We had a couple of chances, but I don't think in the third period we got enough," Pierre-Luc Dubois said. "They played well. They had good sticks, but we've played against teams like that before and we find a way. We should have played better.
By the Numbers
Columbus didn't score in the first period for the first time in five games. ... The Blue Jackets were 0-2 on the power play. … The Blue Jackets killed three Montreal power plays, improving the CBJ penalty kill to 40-for-43 since Dec. 6. ... The Blue Jackets are now 12-4-1 in their last 17 games and saw a four-game winning streak at home end. … Columbus has won the season series each of the past three years, going 6-2-1 and outscoring Montreal 31-14.
Roster Report
Columbus shuffled its forward group a bit with Brandon Dubinsky's return, slotting him into the lineup and scratching Anthony Duclair.
Honoring the Military
Friday's game marked the team's annual Military Appreciation Night honoring those serving in the military and veterans who also have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Up Next
The Blue Jackets have one more game before their winter break, traveling to take on Minnesota tomorrow night at 9 p.m. (Fox Sports Ohio, Fox Sports app, 97.1 The Fan).