Lars Eller scores four goals as Montreal Canadiens dominate Winnipeg Jets 7-3 -NHL Update
Lars Eller made himself known around the National Hockey League (NHL) after grabbing four goals in Canadiens' Wednesday night contest on January 4, 2012, as the Montreal Canadiens thrashed Winnipeg Jets, 7-3, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Eller became the second player this 2011-2012 NHL regular season to pick up four goals and the first to get the fourth on a penalty shot since Mario Lemieux, back in 1988.
The 22-year-old center also made Montreal history by becoming the first player in the franchise's history to get a four-goal game at home since Brian Bellows, back in February of 1993.
Tim Stapleton made the opening goal of the night to put Winnipeg ahead at the 3:41 mark of the first period, but from there on, it was all Montreal.
Josh Gorges added Montreal’s first, nearly 10 minutes later, while Lars Eller picked up momentum less than a minute later on a breakaway, unassisted for his fifth of the season.
Former Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes’ player, Tomas Kaberle, made Montreal’s third straight while Blake Wheeler added Winnipeg’s second on a power play opportunity as Josh Gorges was booked for holding.
The third period was the turnaround for Eller as he put in three goals, including the amazing penalty shot that was awarded to him after Winnipeg’s Ron Hainsey was called for hooking on a breakaway opportunity.
Eller’s penalty attempt could easily be called one of the greatest shots in the season so far as he made a turnaround on the Winnipeg goalie and backhanded the puck into the net.
"I kind of decided before I went down that I wanted to do that spin move", Eller said. "I knew the goalie was cold so it's a good one, you're always sure to get your shot off".
It was certainly a night Eller will remember as one of his best career performances.
"It might be a once-in-a-lifetime thing, four goals", Eller added. "It's just incredible, and I just want to thank my teammates for helping me. If you look at the goals, a lot of the goals are Travis and Andrei doing a pretty amazing job. I'm just in the right place at the right time".
Eller, along with the Montreal Canadiens, has found new momentum to build on, making the next match against Tampa Bay Lightning at home on Saturday a must watch.
Winnipeg on the other hand, will be facing Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday.
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