The Blackhawks built a 3-0 lead early in the third period and hung on to beat the Canadiens 4-2 at the Bell Centre. Patrick Kane, Johnny Oduya and Artemi Panarin put Chicago in front by three.
Paul Byron and Shea Weber got Montreal within one before Jonathan Toews sealed the deal with an empty-netter for the Blackhawks.
Corey Crawford stopped 40 shots for Chicago, which moved past Minnesota for the Central Division lead. The Habs have lost two-of-three.