"Canadiens Deliver Crushing Blow to Hurricanes in Thrilling Playoff Opener. The Montreal Canadiens made a statement in their first-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes, erupting for four goals in the first period and handing the previously undefeated Hurricanes their first postseason loss in over a century. The Hurricanes had been idle for the longest break between playoff games in more than 100 years, but it seemed they were still finding their rhythm as the Canadiens took advantage of their sluggish start. With a convincing 6-2 victory, the Canadiens have put themselves in a strong position to take control of the series, but the Hurricanes will look to regroup and bounce back in Game 2."

The Canadiens pounced for four first-period goals on slow-starting Carolina -- coming off the longest postseason break in more than a century -- and handed the Hurricanes their first loss of the playoffs with a 6-2 victory Thursday night.