HabsWorld.net -- 

The powerplay was the saving grace for the Habs
on Saturday afternoon, as a pair of goals earned them a point that they really
didn’t deserve otherwise in a 3-2 overtime loss to Ottawa.  Brian Gionta’s
goal with less than 3 minutes left in the 3rd took it to OT where Mike Fisher
scored the winner on a rare 3-on-3 opportunity.  Benoit Pouliot had
Montreal’s other goal while Jason Spezza and former Hab Alexei Kovalev also
scored for Ottawa.

HW 3 Stars of the Night:

1) Jaroslav Halak: It’s not often you see the losing goalie get a 1st
star but in this instance, it’s appropriate for the Habs.  He held the team
in the game long enough to get the late equalizer and really couldn’t be faulted
on any of Ottawa’s goals. 

Statline: 63:33 TOI, 2.83 GAA, 34/37 saves (.919 SV%)

2) Ryan O’Byrne: I must admit, I was a little concerned when I learned
he’d be playing with Markov but he certainly made the most of his opportunity. 
He made good decisions with and without the puck and led all defencemen in the
game in hits.

Statline: 20:29 TOI, 0 points, 2 PIMS, even rating, 3 hits, 2 blocks, 1
shot on goal

3) Brian Gionta: He scored the goal to take the game into overtime and
played with an edge for most of the game which can’t be said for most of his
teammates.  He led all Habs in shots on goal and all forwards in time on
ice.

Statline: 21:29 TOI, 1 goal, -1 rating, 5 shots on goal, 10 shots
attempted

HM) Josh Gorges: Despite playing with Hamrlik which he hasn’t done all
season, Gorges brought a strong defensive presence to the game and had a couple
of strong hits as well, earning him extra shifts down the stretch.

Statline: 23:58 TOI, 0 points, even rating, 1 shot on goal, 2 hits