Canadiens explode in 2nd period to take Game 1 over Senators
The Montreal Canadiens used four second-period goals to prevail 4-3 over the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 on Wednesday. Montreal earned the win despite being without defenseman P.K. Subban for half the contest, after he received a game misconduct for slashing.
Star Performer: Brian Flynn was everything Montreal hoped for and more when they acquired him at the trade deadline, setting up a pair of goals and scoring the eventual winner in limited ice-time (10:17). Flynn's three points are his first since the trade, as he appeared in nine regular-season games with the Canadiens without touching the scoresheet.
Turning Point: Goals 15 seconds apart by Torrey Mitchell and Tomas Plekanec put Montreal in front and opened the floodgates in the second period. Subban was ejected on the following play for slashing Mark Stone, but the Canadiens weathered his major penalty and regained the lead after it expired. Stone later returned to the contest.
Goalie comparison: Carey Price emerged victorious with 30 saves while Hammond was overwhelmed by 39 Montreal shots.
| Goalie | Shots | GA | Saves | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 33 | 3 | 30 | .909 |
| Hammond | 39 | 4 | 35 | .897 |
Top Highlight: The Canadiens got off to a rough start with this embarrassing own-goal by Andrei Markov in the first period.
Stat of the night: The Senators were 2-for-5 on the power play - with both goals scored during Subban's major - and their other goal was the result of a Montreal miscue. All of Montreal's goals were scored at even-strength or shorthanded.
Series at a glance:
Game 1: Canadiens 4, Senators 3
Game 2: Friday, April 17, 7 pm ET
Game 3: Sunday, April 19, 7 pm ET
Game 4: Wednesday, April 22, 7 pm ET
Game 5*: Friday, April 24, TBA
Game 6*: Sunday, April 26, TBA
Game 7*: Monday, April 28, TBA
*If necessary