Shot after shot, alternating exchanges of sighs and laughter in the half-lit arena, the three plugged away. And after Thursday night’s 2-1 shootout loss at home to Montreal, in which the Bruins narrowly avoided a third straight shutout when Patrice Bergeron scored in the final minute, what else is there to do but continue firing away?

The Bruins took 46 shots in the loss, and will not have it easier against tonight’s opponent, Buffalo, with its NHL-best two goals allowed per game and Ryan Miller’s league-best .941 save percentage.

“You stay the course. You know you’ve got a little more to give, just get to that next level,’’ said veteran forward Mark Recchi, pointless in his last five games. “When we get through this as a team, we’ll be that much better off for it, because even though we’re not scoring goals, we’re not getting away from doing the right things defensively.’’

The optimism stems from two things. Players were encouraged by the urgency with which they played in the third and overtime periods Thursday, enough to believe it’s something to build on.

The other, as Recchi mentioned, is defense. In the 192 minutes 6 seconds the Bruins went scoreless, they played sound defense, allowing four goals - just one on the power play. Over the last five games, they’ve allowed seven goals.

So while the rest of the team’s game plan has gone swell, the offense waits for that breakthrough.

“Our last five games, we’ve done everything but win the hockey game and score goals,’’ coach Claude Julien said. “As tough as it is for some people to understand that, it’s unfortunate, but that’s what it is.’’

“You guys make such a big deal about it,’’ the colorful forward said while Morris was asked about precautions the team was taking.

Hand sanitizer dispensers are aplenty around the Bruins’ facilities since center David Krejci contacted the H1N1 virus. Krejci has been quarantined from the team while he recovers. The recent developments in Calgary - two Albertans died from the disease this week and two Flames employees have been fired amid accusations of vaccine diversions as pregnant women and children stood in lines to get vaccinated - have not caused a panic.

“There you go, there’s my answer,’’ Morris said after Thornton’s remarks. “There’s nothing we can do, man - if we get it, we get it. Wash your hands, that’s what I tell my kids, ‘Wash your hands.’ ’’

Said goalie Tim Thomas, “The H1N1 virus has been around since the ’70s. Yes, it’s been more prevalent this year, but I don’t expect it to be a problem.’’

The Bruins, who were fourth-worst in penalty killing before Paille arrived, have boosted their killing percentage to 78.8 (18th in the league).

“Patience is huge,’’ Paille said. “There’ll be times when you get beat, but if you’re in the right position, I think that’s key. You’ve got to know what’s around you.’’

Any insight on tonight’s opponent?

“Their style has changed from last year,’’ said the former Sabre. “They’re more aggressive than they have been in the past.’’