Habs Use Late Comeback To Edge Ducks-Habs 4, Ducks 3 (SO)

The Montreal Canadiens scored twice in the final 1:50 to send the game to overtime and eventually defeat the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 in a shootout. The Habs came out flat in the first, allowing 3 goals and finding themselves on the wrong end of a 3-0 score. Tomas Plekanec score on a breakaway mid way through the 2nd frame to cut the lead to two. Brian Gionta scored with 1:50 left followed by a goal by Andrei Markov with just 11 seconds to go to send the game to extra time. Props to Markov for the point and laugh celebration directed towards Corey Perry. Tomas Plekanec ended the game in the shootout beating Jonas Hiller for the second time in the game. Jaroslav Halak replaced Carey Price at the start of the second and stopped all 21 shots he faced along with stopping 3 of 4 Ducks shooters in the shootout. Price allowed 3 goals on just 11 shots, and although none of the goals were particularly bad, he needed to stop at least 1 or 2 of them. Hiller made 40 saves in a losing cause. The Canadiens power play went 0/3 on the night, while the Ducks scored on their lone power play. Some other thoughts from an exciting game:

>Martin had me scratching my head again when he replaced Pouliot on the top line with Ben Maxwell. I have no idea why he would put Maxwell with Gomez and Gionta. Darche, maybe I could see. I would have just left Pouliot on that line considering the way they have been playing.

>Offensively, the Canadiens played really well all game. All 4 lines were creating chances and if my math is correct the Habs hit 4 posts. The issue in the 1st was part goaltending, but mostly bad defence.

>Great job by Halak in relief. Made the saves when needed and came up with a couple of game savers in the shootout.

Tidy little road trip for the Canadiens which saw them take 6 of 8 points, and hold a lead for most of the game in the one they lost. Great comeback tonight showed this team has heart. The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game goes to Tomas Plekanec. Was great all over the ice again and scored in regulation to go along with the shootout winner. Consideration also given to Markov and Halak. The Bolts invade the Bell Centre Tuesday as the Habs try to make it 3 in a row.