The Canadiens were united in praise of their backup netminder Dustin Tokarski following a 36-save performance in a 2-1 shootout win against a young and rising Florida Panthers squad.

"It was unbelievable, It was like having Pricey (Carey Price) out there. He did exactly what he had to do and al ittle more and al lthe boys were really happy for him," said Lars Eller.

"He has been a rock back there as he has been every time he has played for us," said defenceman Nathan Beaulieu of Tokarski, who is in his first full NHL season.

Tokarski hadn't played in 11 games but was impressive throughout 65 minutes and was perfect stopping all three shooters in the shootout.

With the victory, the Canadiens reclaimed a share of top spot in the Eastern Conference with 50 points in 37 games.

The Canadiens have won four straight, including all three games on a five game road swing that continues Friday in New Jersey and concludes Saturday in Pittsburgh. 

P.A. Parenteau scored the only goal in the shootout Tuesday and is now four-of-six in shootouts this season, and all four goals have been game-winners.

"He's got that magic touch in the shootout," Canadiens coach Michel Therrein said. "That was a huge point."

Parenteau's shot glanced off the glove of Roberto Luongo and went into the net in the third round of the tiebreaker.

"I think that's my fourth (winner), but who's counting?" said Parenteau, laughing. "I've always done good in the shootout. This year things are going pretty well for me when it's time to close it. I'll take it."

Jonathan Huberdeau missed on the ensuing attempt, and Montreal improved to 5-1 in shootouts.

The Canadiens have a three-game winning streak against the Panthers.

Brendan Gallagher scored in regulation for Montreal. The Canadiens improved to 14-0 in games in which they have scored first.

"It was just fun to get another win," Tokarski said.

Nick Bjugstad scored Florida's goal. Luongo stopped 33 shots for the Panthers, who lost at home for the first time in four games. The crowd of 19,614 was Florida's largest on home ice.

"It's good to get that point, but a little disappointing," Bjugstad said.

The Panthers had the best chance to win in overtime but Jimmy Hayes fired wide of an open net in the final seconds. The Panthers have points in their last eight games, including five decided in shootouts.

"We got a big point, but when you get that close, you want that second one," coach Gerard Gallant said.

Trailing 1-0, the Panthers tied it on Bjugstad's goal with 1:49 left in the third period. Aaron Ekblad passed the puck to Bjugstad from the right side, and his wrist shot from the slot beat Tokarski on the glove side. Bjugstad leads the Panthers with 13 goals.

The Canadiens broke the scoreless tie when Gallagher put a puck past Luongo with 1:06 left in the second period on their 28th shot.

Gallagher took control of the puck at the blue line, skated to the right circle and got off a wobbly shot that went between Luongo's pads and trickled into the net.

"I shot it through a screen, so I?knew it would be a little tougher to pick up," Gallagher said. "He had made some pretty big saves earlier, so it was nice to see one squeak through."

It was a shot that Luongo felt he should have stopped.

"I wasn't happy with myself on that goal," Luongo said. "He made a good play."

Early in the second, the Panthers had a goal waved off when it was ruled that Sean Bergenheim jammed the puck in and pushed Tokarski into the net.

-With files from The Canadian Press and The Associated Press