Canadiens finally beat Thrashers in shootout

ATLANTA - Andrei Kastsitsyn scored with a brilliant move in the second period, then came through again in the shootout to lead the Montreal Canadiens past the Atlanta Thrashers 3-2 tonight.

Kastsitsyn and Saku Koivu scored in the shootout for Montreal, while the Thrashers came up empty in two chances against Cristobal Huet. Slava Kozlov shot wide and Marian Hossa's attempt to go five-hole was blocked by Huet.

Michael Ryder also scored for the Canadiens in regulation, and Hossa and Pascal Dupuis had the Atlanta goals.

It was the third straight shootout between the teams, the previous two also needing extra time with the game tied at 2. Atlanta won the first two, but Montreal got the Thrashers in this one for its fourth win in five games.