Habs Drop A Heartbreaker-Caps 4, Habs 3 (SO)

The Montreal Canadiens blew a late lead and eventually lost in a shootout to the Washington Capitals 4-3. With the Habs up a goal late in the 3rd, Paul Mara was whistled for the usual Habs late penalty (questionable call, battling with a Cap in front...both or neither could have been called) with 16 seconds to go. The Caps took advantage of the 6 on 4 and tied the game and then won in a shootout. The Habs spotted the Caps a 2 goal 1st period lead before storming back and finally taking the lead just over 5 minutes into the 3rd. Jaro Spacek, Tomas Plekanec and Travis Moen scored for the Canadiens in regulation. Caps goalie Semyon Varlamov stopped all 3 Habs shooters in the shootout with Price allowing a single goal. Price ended the night with 20 saves, including a couple of beauties on Ovechkin, while Varlamov stopped 21 shots. The Canadiens played a solid defensive game until the last minute when all hell broke loose leading to the tieing goal. Spacek returned to the linuep and Leach played forward due to injuries. The Habs PP went 2 for 3, while the Caps went 1/3. Some other thoughts:

>Spacek and Hamrlik drew the task of playing against Ovechkin. Both rearguards had 2 point nights. Ovie had a goal and several good chances but that's to be expected.

>Bergeron was roasted on a 1 on 1 with Ovie and struggled again with giveaways. Overall the defence as a whole played pretty well, limiting the Caps to just 23 shots.

>Props to Ryan White for a huge shot block late in the game. Him and Pyatt appear to have earned a regular spot. Lil Tits was impressive playing with Pleks and Cammi. Chips was barely on the ice again, yet playing on the 2nd unit PP.....I'm confused.

Overall a pretty good effort against a tough Caps team considering the list of wounded players. It hurts to lose a game after giving up a late goal, but the team showed a lot of heart again to battle back from 2 down. The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game goes to Jaroslav Spacek. He had a Goal and an assist as well as several strong defensive plays (we'll forgive you for the cough up leading to the Ovechkin breakaway). Consideration also given to Pacs and White. Next action is Tuesday against the Laffs. Rumor has it Komisarek might return from injury....we'll keep our fingers crossed.