Panthers 2, Canadiens 1: Jesse Winchester scored his career-high fifth goal in the second period and Nick Bjugstad tallied nearly 2 1/2 minutes later as visiting Florida posted its season-best third straight win.

Scott Clemmensen turned aside 17 shots to improve to 7-1-0 lifetime versus Montreal. Scottie Upshall notched an assist for his 200th career point as the Panthers opened their four-game road trip with just their fifth victory away from home.

Alex Galchenyuk scored a power-play goal and Peter Budaj finished with 23 saves for the Canadiens, who have mustered three goals in their last four games (1-3-0) following a brilliant 9-0-1 stretch.

Playing in place of reigning Calder Trophy winner Jonathan Huberdeau, Winchester opened the scoring 4:44 into the second period by one-timing a centering feed from Tomas Kopecky. Bjugstad doubled the advantage when he skated into the right faceoff circle and beat Budaj between the pads for his sixth goal - and fourth in nine contests.

Galchenyuk cleaned up a rebound in front 2:28 into the third to trim the deficit, but the Panthers denied a brief 5-on-3 disadvantage with under six minutes to play before holding on for the victory.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Florida D Erik Gudbranson suffered a lower-body injury in the first period and did not return. ... Huberdeau sat out with a foot injury, ending his run at 81 consecutive games. ... Winchester's previous career high in goals was four, set during the 2010-11 season.