The Montreal Canadiens stunned the heavily favored Carolina Hurricanes 6-2 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final. The Canadiens, who have exceeded all expectations by reaching this stage, put on an offensive clinic.
Montreal exploded for four goals in the first period, dismantling Carolina's typically solid defense. Phillip Danault scored and set up Alexandre Texier on a one-timer. Cole Caufield and Ivan Demidov also found the back of the net in the opening frame. The Canadiens' transition game was far too fast for the Hurricanes.
In the third period, Juraj Slafkovsky undressed forward Andrei Svechnikov before snapping a wrist shot past Frederik Andersen. Slafkovsky also added an empty-netter with an assist from Nick Suzuki. Carolina managed just one shot on goal in the third period.
Goaltending told a major story. Andersen, who entered with a .950 save percentage through eight playoff games, posted an abysmal .762 in Game 1. His Goals Saved Above Expected was minus 3.09. For Montreal, Jakub Dobes has been the difference-maker all postseason.