MONTREAL, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Benoit Pouliot scored the only shootout goal in the fifth round Thursday, boosting the Montreal Canadiens to a 2-1 victory over Pittsburgh.
The Penguins played without superstar Sidney Crosby, who team officials said had suffered an upper-body injury and was sent home for further examination. Crosby leads the NHL in goals (32) and points (66).
Carey Price made 31 saves in regulation and overtime, and then stopped all five shots he saw in the shootout to bring the Canadiens their second win in three games.
Montreal learned earlier in the day that defenseman Josh Gorges would be lost for the season due to a knee injury that will require surgery.
Pouliot scored the only regulation goal for the Canadiens Thursday. He tied the score with 7:32 remaining in the second period after Arron Asham had given Pittsburgh the lead in the opening stanza.
Brent Johnson took the loss with 22 saves. The one point Pittsburgh earned kept the Penguins one in front of Philadelphia for the lead in the Atlantic Division.
