MONTREAL (AP) — Jeremy Swayman stopped 26 shots for his fifth consecutive victory and the Boston Bruins overcame the loss of defenseman Charlie McAvoy to a mouth injury to beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Saturday night in a heated game.

The Bruins improved to 12-8-0, winning for the eighth time in nine games.

McAvoy was hit in the mouth by a slap shot midway through the second period.

With the Canadiens on a power play, Noah Dobson’s one-timer appeared to deflect off Boston forward Mark Kastelic before hitting McAvoy. McAvoy immediately covered his face and dropped to the ice, while a team doctor rushed to help.

The American then hurried to the dressing room after bleeding on the ice. Teammate Nikita Zadorov was seen trying to retrieve lost teeth.

Zadorov and Montreal’s Jayden St

See Full Page