Sweet Night Turned Sour in SO

You couldn't have asked for a better effort from Montreal. They were all working with chips on their shoulders, and it's about time. For a change, Montreal was finishing their checks, taking more shots and finally playing with some determination.
After a 1 hour ceremony for #33 Patrick Roy, the much anticipated game started. All eyes were on Laraque and Lucic. When Lucic was on the ice, so was Laraque, following him the whole time. We all knew what he was trying to do, but Lucic had other ideas. Coach Claude Julien must have told him not to fight because at no point in the game did Lucic look like he would take the bait, damn. No scoring in the first period but some good work from Montreal. Best first period I have seen them play this season.
Montreal marked first in the second when Andrei Kostitsyn banged in a rebound from a point shot from Josh Gorges. Later in the period, of all people, Lucic scored off a nice pass from Kessel. But if you look at the replay, we can all agree that O'Byrne didn't do his part by separating Kessel from the puck. He does that, no goal is scored.
On to the third period, which was an exciting one. Boston tallied first off of a somewhat weak goal by M.Hunwick right through the legs of Carey Price. However the Habs, showing so much character, never gave up and continued to battle for those pucks. After about 2 clear scoring chances, including an open net chance shot wide by Markov, Kostopoulos tipped in a pass from Brisebois. At this point, Montreal was creating many scoring opportunities and the game could have easily ended Motreal's way.
Straight to the shootout, as their was not much to talk about in OT. This was the part of the night when the hockey gods were hard on the Habs. Rookie B.Wheeler scored by losing possession of the puck while Price had already slid the opposite way. Kovalev was stoned by Thomas with the glove, followed by a save by Price on Kessel. Markov showed that his one-dimensional play in the shootout won't work anymore, because everyone knows that he goes 5-hole every time, including Tim Thomas. Price saved an attempt from Bergeron but Koivu couldn't finish on the final shot.
While it may have been hard to swallow, all is not lost for Montreal. They played a great game and are showing many signs of improvement. There are still a few players who need monkeys off of their backs including Kovalev, scoreless in 9, Plekanec, pointless in 6 and Higgins, pointless in 5. Things to remember for next game: key faceoffs must be won, passing over shooting should not always be the first instinct but most of all, no stupid penalties while on the powerplay (Lang!).

Notes: Markov played a total of 27:32... injuries for Montreal: Komisarek(shoulder), Latendresse(upper body)... Kostopoulos recorded a goal and an assist... Kostitsyn marked his 3rd of the year... Roman Hamrlik left the game late in the third when he got a puck straight in the face off a stick deflection.