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Gerbe, Miller help Sabres silence Canadiens

Mar 23, 2011 - 2:54 AM Montreal, QC (Sports Network) - Ryan Miller was spectacular in net, making 31 saves for his fourth shutout of the season to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 2-0 win over Montreal.

Nathan Gerbe scored both Buffalo goals, including an empty-netter in the final minute after hustling for two poke checks near the blue line.

The Sabres, behind Miller's 21st career shutout, remained three points ahead of Carolina for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference after the Hurricanes beat Ottawa on Tuesday.

"We battled for it," said Miller. "We were blocking them in lanes and forcing them outside a lot. It was a defensive effort -- one of our strongest I can remember."

Carey Price was the hard-luck loser in net for Montreal, making 22 saves on 23 shots.

The Canadiens remain in good shape for the playoffs, but fell three points behind Boston for first place in the Northeast Division after the Bruins beat New Jersey.

Miller had 12 saves and Price stopped eight shots in a scoreless first period, but Gerbe gave Buffalo a 1-0 lead at 8:56 of the second. Defenseman Tyler Myers sent the puck into the low slot from above the right circle and Gerbe re-directed it into the net.

Montreal scrambled for chances against Miller in the final minute of the second, but couldn't score. The Buffalo goaltender had 10 saves in the period.

"You have to give Miller credit. He played well and they played well in front of him," said Price. "In fact, both teams played well defensively."

Scrambling to tie it, the Canadiens pulled Price with 62 seconds remaining in the game and were setting up in the Buffalo zone when Gerbe spoiled things all by himself.

First, Gerbe made a diving poke to get the puck out of the zone. Then, he stripped Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban behind the blue line, collected the puck and sent it down the ice for his fourth goal in three games and fifth in the last five.

Game Notes

Miller collected his first shutout since January 6 against San Jose. He also had back-to-back shutouts against Columbus and Ottawa on December 3 and 4...The Sabres were coming off a 2-1-1 homestand and will return to Buffalo for two games against Florida and New Jersey...Montreal is 3-4-0 since a five- game winning streak.