Patrice Bergeron scored with 51.7 seconds left in regulation to keep the Bruins from suffering three consecutive shutouts for the first time since 1929 and force overtime, but ultimately the Bruins would fall in the shootout.
Montreal appeared to score the game's opening goal 1:41 into the game when Glen Metropolit put the puck past Thomas, but the goal was quickly waved off due to Travis Moen's contact with Tim Thomas in the crease.
Metropolit got one for real with 2:28 left in the first period when Dennis Wideman and Matt Hunwick did their best keystone cops impression as Wideman skated backwards into Hunwick out near the blue line to create an odd man rush. Andrei Kostitsyn broke in, took the puck behind the net and found a wide open Glen Metropolit, who had an open net to work with.
The Bruins appeared to have tied it up with 2:25 left in the second period when Carey Price had trouble covering up the puck and Patrice Bergeron tapped the puck past the goal line, however the goal came off the pegs and was waved off after it was determined to have gone in through the side of the net and not between the goal posts.
Much like Glen Metropolit after his goal was disallowed, Patrice Bergeron got one that counted to tied it up with 51.7 seconds left in regulation when he put home a rebound to score the Bruins' first goal in nearly 3 games.
Despite some solid scoring opportunities in overtime, neither team could find the back of the net. Things got a little interesting after the final whistle when Daniel Paille shot well after the whistle and the Habs understandable took exception to it. A little bit a scrum ensued, but cooler heads prevailed.
Shootout
B's 1st Shot: Blake Wheeler's forehand snap shot is snagged by the glove of Carey Price.
Habs 1st Shot: Mike Cammalleri's curl and drag move and quick shot beats Thomas 1-0 Habs
B's 2nd Shot: Bergeron's shot sails wide on the stickside.
Habs 2nd Shot: Tim Thomas gets a piece of Scott Gomez's shot and tips it over the net.
B's 3rd Shot: Carey Price makes a sprawling save to deny Mark Recchi. Habs Win
Notes:
- Bruins outshot the Canadiens 43-26
- B's outhit the Habs 35-23, including 6 hits by Vladimir Sobotka.
- There was a bit of a strange moment late in the third period when a fan threw a pair of glasses on to the ice. One of the linesman picked up the spectacles and put them in his pocket (perhaps a souvenir and a story to tell).
- Mikko Lehtonen played in his 2nd career NHL game after being called up from Providence yesterday.
- Marco Sturm and Patrice Bergeron both had 7 shots on goal.
- The Bruins were shutout on the power play again tonight (0 for 3).
- Bruin return to action on Saturday at home against the Buffalo Sabres.