Canadiens 3, Senators 2 (SO)
CANADIENS 3, SENATORS 2: David Desharnais scored the lone goal of the shootout in the second round as Montreal edged visiting Ottawa in the opener of their home-and-home series.
Erik Cole and Desharnais tallied in regulation while All-Star Carey Price made 35 saves for the Canadiens, who improved to 5-0-2 in their last seven meetings with the Senators.
After Price poke-checked the puck away from All-Star Milan Michalek on Ottawa's first attempt, Desharnais slid a backhander between the pads of Ben Bishop on Montreal's second opportunity.
Price sealed the win by denying both Jason Spezza and captain Daniel Alfredsson, who had been 5 for 5 in shootouts this season.
Cole got Montreal on the board with 6:15 remaining in the first period. Bishop made the stop on a shot from the right faceoff circle, but Cole got his own rebound and buried it for his fourth goal in three games.
The lead lasted only 26 seconds as Colin Greening tapped in a loose puck at the right post after Michalek's shot from the slot was partially blocked.
Shortly after the third period commenced, Desharnais tipped defenseman P.K. Subban's wrist shot from the right point past Bishop for a 2-1 edge. However, All-Star blueliner Erik Karlsson beat Price from the top of the right circle with nine minutes to play, knotting the contest.
Karlsson has scored 11 goals over his last 14 games.
Spezza notched two assists and Bishop stopped 24 shots for the Senators, who climbed within one point of idle Boston for first place in the Northeast Division.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Greening's goal was only his second in 18 games. ... Desharnais has recorded at least one point in seven of his last eight contests and 13 of 16. ... Ottawa had won five of its previous six overall road matches and six of eight in Montreal. ... The Canadiens won for only the second time in seven home games.