Canadiens Advance After Dominating Game 1
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Montreal Canadiens showed no signs of hesitation, winning twice in Game 7 and securing a spot in the Eastern Conference finals. They faced a well-rested top-seeded team that had yet to taste defeat this postseason, but the Canadiens didn’t flinch.
In a commanding performance, the Canadiens defeated the Hurricanes 6-2 on Thursday, netting four goals within the first half against a Carolina team that started sluggishly after an unusually long break—over 100 years.
“We knew we had to get off to a strong start in this series,” Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki reflected after a night with three assists. “I’m pleased with how we did, but I believe we can improve even more.”
Cole Caufield and Phillip Danault struck early, with goals in the first four minutes, followed by Alexandre Texier just minutes later. Ivan Demidov then added to the tally with a breakaway goal, putting Montreal ahead 4-1 midway through the opening period. Interestingly, these Canadiens began the playoffs with an 8-0 record and faced a team that had kept its opponent’s goals low.
Juraj Slavkovski contributed two goals in the third period, including one into an empty net, while Jakub Dobes made 24 saves to ensure the win.
Game 2 is set for Saturday night.
The Hurricanes had previously made history by winning the first two rounds of the playoffs, a first since 1987 when the NHL expanded to four rounds. However, this success came with an 11-day break—the longest for any team since at least 1920—while the Canadiens advanced past both Tampa Bay and Buffalo.
There was chatter about whether this long layoff would hinder the Hurricanes, especially as Canadiens players quickly adjusted following their last series.
Despite Seth Jarvis finding the net just 33 seconds into the game, Montreal made a strong statement in the initial minutes, further adding to Carolina’s frustrations.
“Honestly, I didn’t think our team was sharp tonight,” remarked Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour. “Our key players struggled. That kind of performance doesn’t cut it at this stage.”
Carolina’s game relied heavily on pressuring opponents in their offensive zone while limiting chances in their own. Yet, Montreal effectively moved the puck away from danger, executing clean breakouts and seizing multiple chances against Frederik Andersen.
“Our execution was quick,” said Canadiens center Jake Evans.
Danault’s goal came from a full-speed breakaway following a nice feed from Alexander Carrier, and Demidov’s goal extended the lead to 4-1 with just over eight minutes left in the first period.
Andersen, who had a superb postseason with a goals-against average of 1.12 and a save percentage of .950, managed only 16 saves in this matchup.
Eric Robinson also scored for Carolina, which reached the Eastern finals for the third time in four years under coach Rod Brind’Amour. Nevertheless, the Hurricanes hold a disappointing record of 1-13 in those playoff games, with past exhibits including sweeps by Boston in 2019 and Florida in 2023.
With Carolina’s exit, another Stanley Cup favorite fell in the conference finals opening round; Colorado faced an unexpected loss to Vegas just the night before.
