Canadiens 4, Ducks 3 (SO): Defenseman Andrei Markov scored the decisive goal in the sixth round of the shootout and Dustin Tokarski made 39 saves in his Montreal debut as the visiting Canadiens outlasted Anaheim.

Max Pacioretty netted his 30th goal - and seventh in seven games - while captain Brian Gionta and Brendan Gallagher added tallies for Montreal, which moved eight points clear for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Daniel Briere forced extra rounds in the shootout with a goal on the Canadiens' third attempt.

Defenseman Francois Beauchemin scored for the second time in two games on a fluke play while Tim Jackman and Daniel Winnik also tallied for Anaheim, which received a 28-save performance from Jonas Hiller. Kyle Palmieri appeared to give the Ducks the lead in the fifth round of the bonus format, but a video review revealed his shot hit both posts and never crossed the goal line.

The Ducks tied it 2-2 when Beauchemin's dump-in along the left-wing boards caromed off a stanchion in the glass and into the vacant net after Tokarski left the crease expecting to play the puck behind the net. Winnik capped Anaheim's three-goal second-period outburst when he scored near the post with 1:49 remaining.

Montreal made it 3-3 when Gallagher knocked a rebound through a sea of bodies on top of and around Hiller with 36 seconds left in the second. The Canadiens had a goal taken away 1:06 into the third period as video review revealed Gallagher deflected a shot with his stick above the crossbar.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Ducks RW Teemu Selanne, 11th all-time with 682 goals, did not play (flu). With LW Dustin Penner traded to Washington, Anaheim was forced to use D Luca Sbisa at wing, and he assisted on Jackman's goal. ... Montreal RW George Parros appeared in his first game at Honda Center since the fan favorite played six seasons with Anaheim from 2006-12 and fought Jackman to a draw at 5:03 of the first period. ... Tokarski was 1-3-1 in seven games with Tampa Bay in 2009-10 and 2011-12. ... Thomas Vanek, acquired by Montreal from the New York Islanders on Wednesday, will make his Canadiens debut and wear No. 20 on Thursday in Phoenix.