Habs Use Late Comback To Get Win-Habs 4, Thrashers 3 (OT)

It wasn't pretty to watch, but it was rather exciting. The Montreal Canadiens used a late 3rd period goal followed by another in overtime to defeat the Atlanta Thrashers 4-3. The Thrashers held a large shot advantage as well as a large scoring chance advantage but lost on the scoreboard where it matters. Marc Andre Bergeron was the hero, netting both the tieing and winning goals, while Tomas Plekanec and Andrei Kostitsyn added singles. Pleks ended the night with 4 points, while Cammalleri had a pair of assists. Jaroslav Halak was strong in net making 47 saves, while Johan Hedberg managed 19 stops. The penalty killing was very good again killing 5 of 6 Atlanta chances, while the power play continued to be hot going 2 for 3. This was illustrated late in the game when the Canadiens were whistled for a penalty with under 5 minutes to go and killed it successfully. The Thrashers were then assessed a minor with just over 2 minutes on the clock which led to the tieing goal. Overtime looked like a Habs penalty kill as Atlanta completely dominated, but an odd man rush ending with a Pleks pass to Bergeron finished the game. Some other thoughts:

>The top line continues to dominate, combining for 7 points tonight. The other lines....not so much.

>Markov makes a huge difference out there. Great passes, strong defensive play and a stability on back end. Gill was roasted on at least 4 occasions by the Thrashers speedy Russians.

>On the injury front, Mara left in the 2nd and did not return after taking a shot off the hand. Bergeron limped off the ice after scoring the winner. Moen limped off the ice and collapsed in the hallway, only to return a few minutes later in classic Moen "tough as nails" fashion.

Not pretty, probably not deserved, but a win anyway. The Canadiens have to find a way to limit the oppositions shots and to muster up some secondary scoring. Hopefully the return of Gionta and Hamrlik will help with that....and who knows what Pouilot will bring (recalled from Hamilton today). The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game was a difficult choice. Bergeron and Halak both were big keys to the win. But tonight I have to go with Tomas Plekanec. 4 points and great again on the PK. I hope BG can lock him up in the new year. The Canadiens visit the Carolina Hurricanes Wednesday in their last match before Christmas.