Habs Keep Winning

Coyotes roster

"It's about time," said Hackett, who got his first shutout since last March 24 at Edmonton. "I've been stuck on 19 and sometimes when you're trying to get a milestone like a 20th, it takes a little longer than you really want it to."

Benoit Brunet scored the only goal for Montreal, who moved within four points of the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

"There are a lot of teams in the race," Brunet said. "It's going to be a battle until the end."

Sean Burke in Phoenix net equaled Hackett's efforts until 12:34 of the third period, when Brunet redirected Patrice Brisebois' slap shot from the point into the net.

"Not much I could do on their goal," Burke said. "Brunet was right there and he just tipped it by me. We were on a long penalty kill, we were tired. We were running around."

The Canadiens got a boost from the return of captain Saku Koivu, who missed 40 games following shoulder surgery.

"It's always great to have your captain back in the lineup," Canadiens coach Alain Vigneault said. "He was a source of inspiration out there. He was nervous after that long time off, but he is a seasoned player."