Canadiens win in shootout

Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau scored the winning shootout goal to lift the Montreal Canadiens over the Florida Panthers 2-1 on Tuesday night in Sunrise, Fla.

Parenteau's shot glanced off the glove of Roberto Luongo and went into the net in the third round of the shootout. Jonathan Huberdeau missed on the ensuing attempt, and Montreal improved to 5-1 in shootouts.

The Canadiens have won four in a row - including three on the road - and seven of eight. Brendan Gallagher scored in regulation for Montreal, and Dustin Tokarski had 36 saves in his first start in 11 games.

The crowd of 19,614 was Florida's largest at home.

Dany Heatley was assigned to the Anaheim Ducks' AHL affiliate in Norfolk after the veteran NHL goal-scorer cleared waivers.

Heatley hasn't clicked with the NHL-leading Ducks, who signed him to a one-year, $1 million deal in the offseason. Heatley is scoreless in six games with a minus-3 rating in Anaheim while laboring on the ice and struggling with injuries, including a groin problem that required surgery.

The Ducks are the fifth NHL team for Heatley, who had two 50-goal seasons with the Ottawa Senators during a career that began in 2001. He turns 34 next month.

Heatley's minor-league assignment will allow him to work on returning to NHL fitness while the Ducks wait to see whether another team is interested in acquiring him.

The Washington Capitals could be without defenseman Brooks Orpik for the Winter Classic on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Orpik injured his right knee Monday night against the New York Islanders. Capitals coach Barry Trotz said Orpik's availability would be a game-time decision.

Orpik said he was feeling better Tuesday, but the injury is more painful than previous knee problems.

He has played in three outdoors games with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

- Associated Press