Florida 3, Montreal 2

PANTHERS 3, CANADIENS 2 (SO): Wojtek Wolski scored in regulation and the shootout winner as visiting Florida strengthened its grip on the Southeast Division lead.

Wolski, the lone goal-scorer in the shootout, went from his backhand to his forehand and snapped the puck past Carey Price.

The Panthers moved five points ahead of the ninth-place Washington Capitals – who lost 5-1 to the Buffalo Sabres - for the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

Scott Clemmensen made 26 saves to earn his 13th win of the season.

Florida’s Mikael Samuelsson forced extra time when he tied the game at 2-2 with his 12th of the season at 12:48 of the third period on a wrist shot from the blue line that slipped past a screened Price.

Montreal rookie Louis LeBlanc sent a charge into the Bell Centre crowd when he broke a 1-1 tie at 18:57 of the middle period.

The Quebec native was the lead skater on a rare 3-on-0 breakaway and showed great hands as he deked from his forehand to his backhand and lifted the puck over Clemmensen for his fifth goal of the season.

Montreal’s Erik Cole scored his career-best 31st goal of the season on the power play at 14:00 of the first period after Wolski opened the scoring for the Panthers.

GAME NOTEBOOK: This is the latest into a season the Panthers have held a division lead. … Four of LeBlanc’s five goals for Montreal have come on home ice. … Montreal’s Max Pacioretty has gone nine games without a goal. … Florida’s Stephen Weiss had his six-game point streak snapped.

• Montreal will play their next game on the road against Montreal . The Canadiens have a W/L % of .367 after a win and .383 after a loss.
• Florida will play their next game on the road against Minnesota . The Panthers have a W/L % of .472 after a win and .500 after a loss.