Canadiens 2, Panthers 1: Captain Brian Gionta snapped a tie late in the second period and Carey Price turned aside 26 shots as host Montreal shaded Florida for the first time in three tries this season.

David Desharnais also scored for the Canadiens, who surrendered 17 goals over their previous four games. Price, expected to be named to the Canadian Olympic roster on Tuesday, earned his 20th win of the season despite allowing Sean Bergenheim's first-period tally.

Tim Thomas made 33 saves in defeat for the Panthers, who saw their three-game point streak come to an end.

Desharnais opened the scoring 6:23 into the contest, fanning on his initial shot attempt from the slot before sliding a backhander past a fooled Thomas. Bergenheim drew Florida even late in the period, gathering a pass from Aleksander Barkov in the low slot and beating an out-of-position Price with a low backhand shot.

A turnover by captain Ed Jovanovski deep in the Florida zone led to the go-ahead goal 15:46 into the middle session, as Tomas Plekanec intercepted the puck and fed a streaking Gionta for a wrist shot that beat Thomas high to the glove side. Price made the lead stand with a sensational final period, stopping all 16 shots he faced as Montreal avenged a Dec. 28 defeat in Florida.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Canadiens finished with 26 blocked shots compared to the Panthers' 12. ... Thomas lost in regulation for the first time in six games. ... Desharnais has three goals and seven assists in his last nine contests.