Habs hand Blue Jackets third loss in a row

MONTREAL (Reuters) - The Montreal Canadiens scored three times in the third period to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3 on Tuesday.

Marc-Andre Bergeron netted twice, Glen Metropolit, Michael Cammalleri and Maxim Lapierre also scored for the Habs and netminder Carey Price continued his recent run of good form by making 33 saves.

Despite playing without eight regulars, the Canadiens pulled through with a strong finish to the game.

"I think we've seen the impact of the system over the past few games," Lapierre told reporters. His goal with 4:35 remaining capped a three-goal third period for the Canadiens (12-11-1).

"Even with all the guys we're missing, the system doesn't change."

Antoine Vermette scored twice for Columbus (12-8-3), Anton Stralman recording the visitors' other goal.

Montreal improved to 3-0-1 in their last four games while the Blue Jackets slipped to their third loss in a row.

Cammalleri gave the home team a 1-0 lead at 5:50 in the first period with his fifth goal in his last six matches. The Montreal winger has played a key role in the team with Scott Gomez sidelined due to a lower body injury.

Vermette and Stralman replied for the visiting Blue Jackets before the end of the period, and the Canadiens trailed 3-2 after Vermette and Bergeron traded goals in the second.

However, the Habs turned the tables in the third as Columbus got sloppy.

"We didn't manage the game -- that's the story of our season," said Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock.

"We had the game in control, we played two perfect periods and then we forced pucks and lost the game because of it."

Columbus started goaltender Mathieu Garon in place of Steve Mason, last season's top rookie who has struggled of late.

(Editing by Peter Rutherford)