Summary:
- The Canadiens scored four times in a fast first period to take control early
- Hurricanes suffered their first playoff loss after a long break between series
- Montréal’s speed and transition game overwhelmed Carolina’s defense
The Montréal Canadiens once again showed just how quickly momentum can shift in the playoffs, overpowering the Carolina Hurricanes 6–2 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final on Thursday night.
From the start, the game looked like it would be in Montréal’s favor. Cole Caufield and Phillip Danault struck early, setting the tone before Alexandre Texier and Ivan Demidov followed with goals of their own.
Montreal Ruled the Night
In less than half a period, the Canadiens had built a shocking 4–1 lead against a Carolina team that had not lost a game in the postseason until now.
Carolina actually opened the scoring just 33 seconds in, a quick strike that briefly energized the home crowd.
However, that momentum vanished almost immediately as Montréal responded with relentless pace through the neutral zone and punished every defensive lapse.
Much of the discussion heading into the series centered on Carolina’s long layoff after sweeping its previous rounds. That extended break, nearly two weeks without a game, appeared to show in the opening period as the Hurricanes struggled to match Montréal’s speed and timing.
On the other hand, the Canadiens repeatedly turned their defensive stops into fast transitions and breakaway chances.
Phillip Danault’s goal came off a clean rush straight up the middle, while Ivan Demidov added a highlight finish on a solo move that stretched the lead and silenced the arena.
DES MAINS EN OR
DEMI DANGLES#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/7Szkz2X1lJ
— x – Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) May 22, 2026
Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen, who entered the game with one of the strongest statistical runs of the playoffs, was left exposed on several odd-man situations and finished with just 16 saves.
The Hurricanes did manage some pushback through Eric Robinson, but Montréal remained composed and continued to control the pace. In the third period, Juraj Slafkovsky put the game out of reach with two more goals, including an empty net finish, sealing a complete road performance for the Canadiens.
*8e point à ses 6 derniers matchs pour Slaf
Slaf's *8th point in his last 6 games
MTL 6, CAR 2 https://t.co/VmkqFlV7eR pic.twitter.com/BqGz4YZ7ug
— x – Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) May 22, 2026
Montréal goalie Jakub Dobes handled 24 shots and provided steady coverage behind a defense that consistently blocked passing lanes and limited second chances.
The series now shifts to Game 2, where Carolina will need to reset quickly and find answers after a rare and eye opening playoff loss. Fans looking to follow the action and updates around the series can check coverage and related sportsbook insights.
