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Habs Panthers Game Thread: Price earns shutout No. 7 in 4-0 win

Carey Pricehad a 30-save performance, earning his seventh shutout of the season, as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Florida Panthers 4-0. The victory also gave Price his 30th win on the season.

The Canadiens defense managed to keep the shots to the perimiter for their goalie through most of the night. But as the Panthers physical play (37 hits) continued, the shots got closer to Price’s crease. The Habs netminder responded with some outstanding saves, in a manner to which Dave Stubbs tweeted. “Price battles likes he’s in OT of Game 7. That’s why he’s been brilliant this season.”

Price is now the eighth goalie in Canadiens’ history to have won 30 games in one season.

Tomas Vokoun, who averaged 43 shots against him in his first three meetings against the Canadiens this season, was chased from the game after allowing two goals on three shots.

Andrei Kostitsyn continues his free reign away from Scott Gomez, with a goal and an assist on the night. His new center Lars Eller, also had a goal and a helper. The Canadiens are now 5-0 when the Danish rookie scores a goal, and 9-1-1 when he records a point.

Poolies must be thrilled that Hal Gill finally notched his first goal of the season, let alone a game-winning tally.

David Desharnais used a little hand-eye coordination to slip a puck past Scott Clemmensen, in the second period, give the Canadiens a three-goal lead..

The Canadiens have now won three straight games, and will get a real test in their next two when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Boston Bruins.

The Eastern Conference race continues to shape up, as Montreal stays on pace with the Washington Capitals, remaining three points back of fifth spot. The Toronto Maple Leafs remain bound and determined to make the playoffs. They knocked beat the conference leading Philadelphia Flyers in their own barn, and now sit three points out of eighth, and ten behind the Habs.

Three Stars: 1. Carey Price 2. Andrei Kostitsyn 3. James Wisniewski

Scoring Summary

First Period

1. MTL Hall Gill – A. Kostitsyn, J. Wisniewski -5:02

2. MTL Andrei Kostitsyn – T. Moen, L. Eller –  8:54

Second Period

3. MTL David Desharnais – B. Pouliot – 4:59

Third Period

4. MTL Lars Eller – T. Moen, J. Wisniewski 3:21

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