MTL@DAL: Game recap

DALLAS -- The Canadiens snapped a six-game winless streak on Tuesday night, besting the Stars 5-3 at American Airlines Center.

The contest marked the return of winger Tyler Toffoli to the lineup.
It was Toffoli's first game since December 4. He underwent hand surgery on December 8.

One Habs fan in attendance was eager to show winger Michael Pezzetta some love with a creative sign.
Pezzetta's fanbase certainly continues to grow with every game.

There were no goals to report in the opening frame.
Goaltender Sam Montembeault made 14 saves to keep things scoreless after 20 minutes.

The Canadiens opened the scoring with two goals in a span of 22 seconds in the second period.
Christian Dvorak got things started with a power-play snipe, capping a three-way passing sequence with Nick Suzuki and Toffoli with his sixth goal of the season.

Then, Pezzetta scored his third goal of the year when a shot from Jake Evans hit his face before beating goaltender Jake Oettinger.
Artturi Lehkonen also collected an assist on the play.

The Stars responded with 3:36 left before the break courtesy of forward Jacob Peterson.
His goal cut the Canadiens' lead to 2-1.
That's the way things stood after 40 minutes.
Dominique Ducharme's squad exploded for three goals in the third period to put the contest out of reach.
Toffoli, Dvorak and Josh Anderson all lit the lamp in a span of 3:14 early in the stanza.
Toffoli's goal was his sixth of the season. It was a short-handed marker.

That was followed by this sweet snipe by Dvorak, who put his breakaway moves on display.

Anderson's goal, meanwhile, was ultimately allowed after a short video review.
It was his eighth of the year.

Montembeault made 48 saves to earn the victory.

The Canadiens are back in action on Thursday night when they play the Vegas Golden Knight at T-Mobile Arena.
Puck drop is 10:00 p.m. ET.