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MONTREAL - Head coach Michel Therrien believes it might be time for his club to have a break. After a tough 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers at the Bell Centre, Therrien came to the defence of a Montreal team that couldnt generate much offence during the game. "Weve played a lot of hockey in less than three weeks," said Therrien. "This team is drained. Theyre empty." The Canadiens have played 11 games in the last 19 days, including a 1-0 overtime victory against the Islanders in New York on Saturday night. The team touched down at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal in the wee hours Sunday, delayed by a snowstorm, and even scratched their morning practice. Therrien didnt blame the loss on a lack of effort or passion, but simply on fatigue. "The lemon is squeezed of all its juice," said Therrien. "When physically, youre tired, the execution is not quite there, and you make bad decisions. They go hand in hand. "Im not blaming (the players). I see what were asking of them. Very demanding. Theyre athletes, theyre human beings. They gave what they could in the circumstances. I know what they could give, and they gave it." The Canadiens started slowly, recording their first shot on net seven minutes into the first period, and were sluggish for most of the game. After two periods, the Panthers led 2-0 and were outshooting the home side 20-12. Montreal came into the third with a burst of energy. With the Habs pressing on the power play, its first of three in the final 20 minutes, Alex Galchenyuk reduced the deficit at 2:28 after banging home captain Brian Giontas rebound from inside the goaltenders crease. But with Floridas Mike Weaver and Scottie Upshall in the penalty box later in the period, the Canadiens couldnt gain control of the game despite playing 35 seconds of 5-on-3 hockey. Galchenyuk had a golden chance in front of the net to tie the game, but fanned on the bouncing puck. "We had an opportunity to win the game, and we wanted to win the game," said P.K. Subban, who registered the only shot on the Habs back-to-back power plays. "We have to capitalize on our opportunities." Panthers goaltender Scott Clemmensen made 17 saves, six of which came in the third period, to earn his second victory of the year. He got the nod in net in place of Tim Thomas, whos sidelined with a groin injury. "Our penalty killing came up big for us," said Clemmensen, looking back on the 5-on-3. "Our guys were diving in front, getting sticks up there, deflecting passes, being in a good position. It was great. Thats how we win games." Peter Budaj got the start in net for the Canadiens, his first of the season at home. He stopped 23-of-25 shots. The Panthers outshot the Canadiens 14-8 in the first period, but neither team came close to breaking the deadlock. Jesse Winchester got the Panthers on the board at 4:44 of the second, beating Budaj to his right with a one-timer off the post and in. Tomas Kopecky started the play, drawing both Montreal defencemen behind the net before feeding the puck to a wide open Winchester, who made no mistake from close range for his fifth goal of the year. Nick Bjugstad doubled the Panthers lead at 7:11, finishing off Floridas 3-on-2 rush by firing a wrist shot under Budajs glove. Florida (12-17-5) extended its win streak to three games. The Canadiens (20-12-3), meanwhile, have now lost three of their last four games, and have only scored three times in those outings. Notes: The game was Montreals third in four nights. … The Panthers have now won five of their last six games. … Montreal sits second in the Atlantic Division, three points behind the Boston Bruins. … The Panthers and Canadiens face off three more times this season. Their next encounter is on Dec. 29 in Sunrise, Florida. 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Discount Saucony Shoes Shop . -- Jim Furyk was 10 shots worse and right where he wanted to be Saturday in the BMW Championship.TORONTO -- Chris Chelios is 51 years old, but that doesnt necessarily mean his hockey-playing career is over. Chelios, who will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday, said he has considered going to Europe to play with his sons, Dean and Jake, like Gordie Howe played with Mark and Marty for the Hartford Whalers. "My guys are seniors in college now, and if for some crazy (reason) they dont make it (to the NHL), which, realistically theres just not enough jobs, I wouldnt hesitate," Chelios said Friday. "Im staying in shape to go to Europe, pick a good country and take my whole family over there and go play with them there. Like Switzerland, Ive been there. Who knows? Weve done crazier things in our family." Chelios later said he was joking. And he made it clear thatt he wouldnt trying to do it in the NHL or AHL.dddddddddddd Dean, 24, and Jake, 22, play for Michigan States hockey team. Chris Chelios played his final NHL game for the Atlanta Thrashers on April 6, 2010. He played a total of 1,651 games, the most of any defenceman or American in history. Chelios, who now works as an adviser to hockey operations with the Detroit Red Wings, still skates occasionally. "More pushing pucks and blowing whistles in Grand Rapids," he said. "Every once in a while Ill do a Tuesday night group. I skate more in the summer with my sons than I do actually during the season. Going to have to skate for the Winter Classic. Im looking forward to that." Chelios is set to take part in the Winter Classic alumni game in Detroit on New Years Eve. ' ' '