SJS@MTL: Postgame
The Canadiens lost their ninth consecutive game at the hands of the Sharks
by Pierre-Antoine Mercier. Translated by Matt Cudzinowski. @CanadiensMTL / canadiens.com
MONTREAL - The Canadiens dropped a 4-2 decision to the Sharks on Thursday night at the Bell Centre.
The Sharks thought they'd taken a 1-0 lead at the 7:02 mark of the first period. Forward Barclay Goodrow capped a perfect setup by veteran Joe Thornton by beating goaltender Carey Price on a breakaway.
But, head coach Claude Julien challenged the goal, claiming that the play was offside. After a short video review, the goal was waived off and things remained scoreless.
The Canadiens ultimately struck first when Nick Cousins lit the lamp with 3:24 remaining in the opening frame. The 26-year-old forward jumped on a rebound off his own shot to register his first career goal in a Habs uniform.
Video: SJS@MTL: Cousins puts home his own rebound for lead
But, forward Evander Kane responded for the Sharks with only 55 seconds to go before the break. Peter DeBoer's squad capitalized on a power play opportunity with captain Shea Weber in the penalty box.
Montreal outshot San Jose by a 13-8 margin through 20 minutes of play.
The Sharks capitalized on another power play chance early in the second period to take a 2-1 lead. Kane scored again, putting a loose puck past Price while defenseman Jeff Petry was serving a two-minute minor.
Then, Kevin Labanc put the Sharks up by a pair by finishing off a three-way passing play.
Forward Melker Karlsson added another goal for San Jose with just 35 seconds left in the middle frame to give San Jose a 4-1 advantage.
But, Joel Armia cut the Sharks' lead to 4-2 shortly thereafter, re-directing a Max Domi feed past goaltender Aaron Dell. Armia's tally came 22 seconds after Karlsson's strike.
Video: MTL@SJS: Armia craftily tips puck home in the circle
Through two periods, the Canadiens held a 29-14 advantage in the shot department.
Unfortunately, Julien's contingent couldn't mount a comeback in the third period. No goals were scored in the final frame.