DAL@MTL: Game recap

MONTREAL -- The Canadiens were dealt a 5-2 defeat by the Stars on Saturday night at the Bell Centre.

The Stars opened the scoring at the 4:24 mark of the first period on the power play.
Veteran Joe Pavelski beat goaltender Jake Allen with a backhander upstairs to give the visitors the early lead.
Mike Hoffman scored the equalizer at the 15:35 mark of the frame, burying a rebound off a shot from Jake Evans.
Hoffman's first goal of the season was also assisted by Arber Xhekaj.

It was 1-1 after 20 minutes.
The Stars retook the lead just 18 seconds into the second period courtesy of Pavelski again.
Jason Robertson put Pete DeBoer's contingent up 3-1 with a power play tally at 4:31.
Xhekaj replied for Montreal with his first NHL goal at 15:58, solving goaltender Jake Oettinger with a seeing-eye shot from the point through traffic.
Xhekaj's tally was assisted by Sean Monahan and Nick Suzuki.

Unfortunately, Esa Lindell scored for the Stars with just 17 seconds left in the frame.
Dallas led 4-2 after 40 minutes.
Pavelski completed the hat trick just under seven minutes into the third period.
That capped the scoring.
The Canadiens are back in action on Tuesday night when they host the Wild at the Bell Centre to close out the homestand.
Fans are invited to wear a costume to celebrate Halloween a little early with their fellow spectators.
Puck drop is 7:00 p.m. ET.