Habs Blow Late Lead-Sabres 3, Habs 2 (SO)

For 57 minutes, the Montreal Canadiens played a textbook road game. But a late penalty allowed the Sabres to get within a goal, then they tied it with just 48 seconds on the clock. After a scoreless overtime, Buffalo came out on top of the shootout for a 3-2 win over the Canadiens. The Canadiens controlled the game for the most part despite giving up 40+ shots. After starting the game with 4 power plays through the first 25 minutes of the game, the Canadiens didn't get one after that while the Sabres got 6 straight, including the one with under 4 minutes to play and another in overtime. The reason....Lindy Ruff lost it on the refs after their 4th penalty and they were obviously intimidated. Regardless, the Canadiens deserved the 2 points tonight. Andrei Kostistyn scored both goals for the Habs. Carey Price got the call in net and made 40 saves, but could only stop 1 out of 3 Sabres shooters in the shootout. Ryan Miller was great as well at the other end making 26 saves, including several point blank chances to keep Buffalo within striking distance. He also stopped both Kostitsyn and Cammalleri in the shootout. Some other thoughts from a disapointing outcome:

>Price, seeing his first action in a while, was awesome. His teammates should be apologizing for the final 3 minutes. Nice to see him have a solid start after so much time off.

>Cammelleri was back in the lineup, and despite not registering a point, sparked his line which produced both goals. Big Tits hadn't scored in a long time, so nice to see him get the monkey off his back.

>Tom Pyatt was a surprise entry into the lineup, forcing Max Lapierre to the press box with Bergeron back in. He made the most of his opportunity with a good effort. Travis Moen also sat out after needing 50 stitches to close a cut on his face from a skate against the Sens.

To look on the bright side, the Canadiens did get a point. But not getting the 2nd one could haunt them in the end. They deserved to win this one, but I remember them stealing one in a similar fashion from the Ducks. The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game goes to Dominic Moore. Clutch on the draws and great in his own end. Consideration also given to A. Kostitsyn and Price. Quick turnaround time as the next game is tomorrow night back in Montreal against the Panthers.