Lightning Strike Canadiens 7-1

Wendel Clark scored three goals as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat Montreal 6-1 Saturday night and stalled the Canadiens' drive for a playoff spot.

Stephane Richer added a goal and an assist for the Lightning, while Pavel Kubina and Petr Svoboda also scored as Tampa Bay scored six goals for the first time this season.

The Lightning have won two straight games for only the third time this season.

Saku Koivu had the only goal for the Canadiens, who trail the Boston Bruins by five points for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Montreal had its five-game home winning streak come to an end.

Clark, whose last hat trick came in December against the Washington Capitals, now has a team-high 24 goals.

Montreal goalie Jeff Hackett was pulled from the game at 12:33 of the third period and replaced by Frederic Chabot. Hackett allowed all six goals on 25 shots, while Chabot needed to make only one save the rest of the way.

Tampa Bay goalie Corey Schwab made 29 saves.

Clark's first goal gave the Lightning a 2-1 lead early in the second period. He beat Montreal defenseman Patrice Brisebois along the boards, skated behind the net and put a harmless looking shot towards the crease. Hackett misplayed the puck and it ended up across the goal line.

Clark made it 3-1 minutes later when he scored on the rebound of his own slap shot.

Clark got his third of the night and made it 5-1 when he fired his trademark wrist shot from the high slot past Hackett on a third-period power play.

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