Linden Injured in Canadiens’ Win

Now that the trading deadline has passed, the Montreal Canadiens probably wish they picked up some extra centers.

Trevor Linden became the second man in the middle lost to injury when he broke two ribs Tuesday night at Montreal in the Canadiens’ 4-3 loss to the lowly Tampa Bay Lightning, who ended a seven-game losing streak.

The injury, which will sideline Linden for the remainder of the regular season, came just three days after captain Saku Koivu tore a knee ligament.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge for us for the 12 remaining games,” said Sergei Zholtok, who scored his 22nd goal.

Linden, who scored a first-period goal, was hurt when Tampa Bay defenseman Pavel Kubina wrestled him down at the edge of the Lightning crease and fell on top of him.

Later, Lightning goalie Dan Cloutier was taken to the hospital for observation after he was struck in the side of the neck by a Dainius Zubrus shot in the second period.

Detroit 3, Nashville 2--Brendan Shanahan scored his second goal of the game 4:10 into overtime at Detroit.

Sergei Fedorov also scored for the Red Wings, who moved within two points of idle St. Louis for first place in the in the Western Conference. Detroit is on a season-best eight-game unbeaten streak (6-0-2).