from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

Hmm. Are we starting to see the first signs of crumble in the once invincible Montreal Canadiens as they continue to soldier on without all-world goaltender Carey Price?

The Habs lost for the second time in 24 hours Thursday night, losing 3-2 to the surging Detroit Red Wings. It marked the fourth straight loss for the Canadiens and the fourth straight game in which they have allowed three goals. The Canadiens have dropped to fourth in goals allowed per game as Price continues to recover from a lower-body injury, his second stint on the shelf this season. Perhaps more troubling, the Canadiens have seen their once epic lead in the Atlantic Division shrink to just four points over the Red Wings.

Now, we're not blaming young goalies Mike Condon or Dustin Tokarski, who got the start Thursday after Condon was beaten by the Boston Bruins 3-1 the night before. The Canadiens have scored just 11 goals in their last six games, during which they are 1-4-1. But you have to wonder if at some point GM Marc Bergevin is going to have to seriously consider looking for some experienced goaltending assistance as the Canadiens try to stop their slide.

more on the Habs from the ESPN crew...