OTTAWA - There are no moral victories when it comes to the playoffs.

Ottawa had a lot of positives Sunday night, but it didn't really matter as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Senators 2-1 in overtime to take a commanding 3-0 Eastern Conference quarter-final series lead.

Dale Weise scored the winner at 8:47 of overtime.

"It's one of those games when even though we did a lot of good things, but in the end we didn't win the game and that's what matters," said Senators captain Erik Karlsson, who was a physical presence for Ottawa with six hits.

Much was made of coach Dave Cameron's decision to start Craig Anderson, who had only played four games since Jan. 21, but there was no disputing the decision as Anderson made 47 saves.

"He gave us a chance," said Cameron. "Not surprising. We've seen him do that lots so not at all surprised by that performance."

Anderson was satisfied with how he played, but felt he still fell short.

"It's frustrating, I wasn't able to come in and get the win for the guys," said Anderson. "It's one of those things where we've got to put it behind us and move forward and take some of the good things and come back ready to go."

The loss was that much more disheartening as the Senators felt they played a better game, but know that they will need to be better if they hope to stave off elimination Wednesday night.

"It's frustrating," said Ottawa's Kyle Turris. "We had a real good first period. We kind of let up in the second and got away from how we were playing in the first. We were coming back with a better third, but it was frustrating they tied it up late and frustrating goal in overtime."

"All we can do is prepare for next game. It's another game at home and we've got to come out with the same start we did (Sunday)."

Once again the second period was the Senators downfall as they were outshot 19-6. But unlike the first two games, the Canadiens were unable to capitalize.

"It's something we talked about before the game, on off days," said Turris. "Trying to limit the turnovers in the neutral zone and just getting pucks deep and staying on top of them because that's when we're at our best and we haven't been doing that."

The Senators find themselves in a deep hole but Cameron's message to his team following the game was simple.

"Day off (Monday) and you've got to win a game. We've got to find a way to win a game."