More NHL: Trades | Scores | Standings | League Leaders | Odds  | Power Rankings

Tuesday night was supposed to be about Patrick Roy making his triumphant return to Montreal as a head coach. Thomas Vanek stole the show.

Vanek had yet to really get going since joining the Montreal Canadiens at the trade deadline so on Tuesday he made up for lost time against the Avalanche.

In the second period Vanek finally got his first goal with the Habs, his 22nd on the season overall (above) . Then in the third period he scored a second goal and wouldn't you know it he added a third. The hats flew to the Bell Centre ice. Both third-period goals came on the power play with his second goal of the night giving Montreal the lead for good.

Vanek's hat trick meant that matched the Avalanche's scoring output by himself in the game as the Habs defeated Roy's Avs 6-3. Just as important as the two points were, seeing Vanek -- a streaky scorer -- lighting the lamp was just as exciting for Habs fans.