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Canadiens’ collapse resumes with loss to Blue Jackets

William Karlsson, Torrey Mitchel

Columbus Blue Jackets’ William Karlsson, right, of Sweden, works against Montreal Canadiens’ Torrey Mitchell during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Monday, Jan. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)

AP

You know things are bad when a center-ice goal just provides a brief bit of joy.

The Montreal Canadiens stopped the bleeding from their troubling losing streak on Saturday, yet that shootout win only provided momentary relief.

They fell back down tonight, dropping a 5-2 loss to the banged-up Columbus Blue Jackets, who don’t even have a healthy head coach.

It’s just been that sort of stretch for Montreal. Since a 3-2 loss to the Capitals on Dec. 3, the Habs have hobbled to a 5-17-1 record.

That’s truly one of those double-take deals, as Montreal only has three wins (and has only generate seven standings points) so far in 2016.

The game was tied 2-2 heading into the third, but Columbus bounced back from that embarrassing goal. Brandon Saad scored the game-winner and added an empty-netter while dog-winner Cam Atkinson grabbed a hat trick.

In about 11 minutes, it went from a possible confidence-builder to an embarrassing night for Montreal, who will turn around and host Columbus tomorrow.

Things are so ugly, you almost wonder about Michel Therrien as the All-Star break nears ... but hey, he does have the vote of confidence, right?