Hamrlik's OT strike sinks Islanders

MONTREAL (Reuters) - Defenseman Roman Hamrlik fired the game-winning goal 90 seconds into overtime to give the Montreal Canadiens a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Monday.

Hamrlik scored with a wrist shot on a 2-on-1 sequence at 1:32 in overtime to halt a late New York comeback and lead the Canadiens (6-5-0) to their fourth successive victory.

"There was an opportunity to jump into the play and it just happened," Hamrlik told reporters after taking a pass from teammate Tomas Plekanec that led to the goal.

"Overtime is going our way (right now) but you don't want to go to OT -- you want to win in 60 minutes."

Montreal has won four overtime games already this season while New York has lost three and also dropped three shootouts.

The struggling Islanders (1-4-5) forced extra time after a goal at 15:44 in the third period from Jeff Tambellini, his second of the game.

Jaroslav Halak made 29 saves, including two big ones in the extra period, as the home team ground out the win, while New York goaltender Martin Biron finished with 28 saves.

Defenseman Jaroslav Spacek beat Biron early to put Montreal on top with a snap shot at 13:34 in the first period.

Tambellini's goal at 18:18 in the second tied the contest for the Islanders and the Canadiens seized a 2-1 lead when Travis Moen converted a tip-in at 7:44 in the third period.

Mike Cammalleri, who signed a lucrative contract to join the team in the offseason, had an assist to extend his points streak to five games.

He entered the night with five goals in his last four contests, including a hat trick against the New York Rangers at the weekend.

The Islanders' top overall draft pick John Tavares, meanwhile, was held scoreless for the fourth straight game.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Alastair Himmer)