The Montreal Canadiens were shut out by the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night, which means center Scott Gomez had now played 16 games this season without scoring a goal; meanwhile, there are 613 skaters that have at least one goal in the NHL during 2011-12. Overall, he hasn't hit the back of the net since Feb. 5, 2011.

All of this is leaving some Habs fans quite thirsty.

Le Skratch is a pool hall and sports bar chain in Quebec and Ontario. Their locations in Brossard and Laval began a promotion this NHL season that's gotten some notice in the French-language blogosphere: Offering free booze to patrons if Scott Gomez scores as goal.

"So far, no luck," said the bar employee who answered our query on the contest.

The poster (via 25Stanley.com) reads:

"Support Our $8 million man, No. 11 Scott Gomez."

"00 Goals Scored This Season"

"1 Free Shot When Scott Scores!"

"000 Free Shots Given At Present Date This Year!"

"Go Scott Go!"

Le ouch. No word what the bar intends to serve when he finally hits pay dirt. Hopefully something with bitters.

s/t to Ana for bringing the poster to our attention; special thanks to Ashley in Saskatchewan for the translation.