BOSTON — Lars Eller scored two goals for Montreal and Alex Galchenyuk had three assists as the Canadiens beat the Boston Bruins 4-2 on Saturday night.

Alexander Semin added two assists and David Desharnais scored for Montreal, which has won the last six meetings between the longtime rivals.

Montreal scored the first three goals and controlled play, outshooting Boston 38-21.

Carey Price made 19 saves for the Canadiens and Tomas Plekanec added an empty-net goal.

Boston goalie Tuukka Rask stopped 37 shots and kept the Bruins from being routed.

Matt Beleskey’s goal late in the second period was the only offense for Boston until Patrice Bergeron scored with 31 seconds to play.

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The Bruins are off to their first 0-2 start in 10 years. Boston played again without captain Zdeno Chara, who sat with an undisclosed upper-body injury.

Desharnais scored a power-play goal 1:25 into the game and Montreal scored again when Eller put in a one-timer 2:15 into the second. The Bruins felt they pulled within 2-1 with 13:20 left in the second when Loui Eriksson beat Price on a high backhand, but the goal was immediately waved off by a referee, who said Bergeron made contact with the Montreal goalie at the edge of the crease.

The call stood after a video review and disgruntled fans let loose a loud chorus of boos. The Canadiens quickly quieted the crowd 1:07 later when Eller scored on another one-timer to put Montreal up 3-0.

This story will be updated.


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