Canadiens beat Hurricanes 6-2 in Game 1 of Eastern Conference Final
Posted May 21, 2026 08:02:17 PM.
The Montreal Canadiens wasted no time making a statement in the Eastern Conference Final.
Juraj Slafkovský scored twice and added an assist as the Canadiens defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 6-2 Thursday night at Lenovo Center, stealing Game 1 on the road and snapping Carolina’s undefeated playoff run.
The victory gives Montreal seven road wins this postseason and marks the first time the Hurricanes have lost during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
After Carolina opened the scoring just 33 seconds into the game, the Canadiens responded with four unanswered goals in a span of 10 minutes and 32 seconds during a dominant first period. The stretch marked the fastest sequence of four goals to begin a road playoff game in franchise history.
Cole Caufield, Phillip Danault, Alexandre Texier and Ivan Demidov all scored in the opening frame as Montreal silenced the crowd in Raleigh and seized full control early.
Canadiens answer early Carolina punch
After an 11-day break between rounds, the Hurricanes came out flying to begin Game 1.
Seth Jarvis opened the scoring only 33 seconds into the first period, beating Jakub Dobeš with a wrist shot to give Carolina an early 1-0 lead.
But Montreal answered almost immediately.
Just 27 seconds later, Caufield tied the game with a wrist shot past Frederik Andersen, stunning the home crowd and quickly shifting momentum back toward the Canadiens.
CAUFIELD AND THE HABS ANSWER IMMEDIATELY ????️????️????️ pic.twitter.com/RP5rCKEziu
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 22, 2026
Danault gave Montreal its first lead of the night just under four minutes into the period after capitalizing on a breakaway opportunity during four-on-four play, wiring a low shot past Andersen to make it 2-1.
PHILLIP DANAULT HOW ARE YA?!?
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 22, 2026
MONTREAL HAS THE LEAD EARLY IN GAME 1 ???? pic.twitter.com/mFDBuWsjiq
Moments later, Texier extended the lead to 3-1 after the Canadiens forced a turnover along the boards and quickly converted in the offensive zone. His one-timer marked the first time Andersen had allowed three goals in a playoff game this spring.
ALEXANDRE TEXIER!!! THAT'S A 3-1 LEAD FOR THE HABS ???? pic.twitter.com/KthxkAQ4w4
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 22, 2026
Demidov continued the Canadiens’ offensive explosion midway through the period, jamming home his third goal of the playoffs on a partial breakaway to give Montreal a commanding 4-1 advantage heading into intermission.
THE GOALS WON'T STOP FOR MONTREAL ‼️
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 22, 2026
IVAN DEMIDOV JOINS THE FUN ???? pic.twitter.com/pmSs0LHIUi
Hurricanes push back, but Slafkovský seals it
Carolina attempted to claw back into the game during the second period.
After a Caufield chance rang off the post, the Hurricanes caught Montreal during a line change, allowing Eric Robinson to break free and beat Dobeš at the 2:46 mark of the second to cut the deficit to 4-2.
That would be as close as Carolina would get.
Slafkovský restored Montreal’s three-goal cushion midway through the third period after deking around the final defender before snapping a shot past Andersen to make it 5-2.
He added an empty-net goal with 2:28 remaining to cap off a dominant road performance for the Canadiens.
OH MY JURAJ SLAFKOVSKÝ ???? pic.twitter.com/AcFBVukVOu
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 22, 2026
Carolina’s comeback effort faded late, managing just one shot on goal in the third period as Montreal closed out the victory.
Dobeš finished with 25 saves on 27 shots, while Andersen stopped 16 of 21 shots in the loss.
Montreal fans celebrate back home
While the Canadiens opened the series on the road, fans back home in Montreal celebrated a memorable Game 1 victory.
Supporters packed watch parties across the city, including a lively crowd at Espace 1909 downtown, as the Canadiens ended Carolina’s eight-game playoff winning streak in convincing fashion.
One young Canadiens fan explained why she supports the team.
“I like the Montreal Canadiens because they’re really cool and they’re my home team.”
When talking about her favourite players, she smiled and said: “Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki and Anderson.”
She also shared what made watching the game with her family special.
“It’s really fun and you get to cheer on your home team.”
Other fans inside the downtown Montreal watch party were equally confident after the Canadiens handed Carolina its first playoff loss.
“It’s crazy. We’re going to beat them,” said one supporter.
Another fan remained optimistic about the Canadiens’ playoff run.
“It’s beautiful and we hope we’re going to win the Stanley Cup one day.”
One fan praised Montreal’s opening period performance.
“Very good. It’s a very good match. The first one. We want the Cup.”
Another supporter highlighted the Canadiens’ dominant start and key performers.
“The best first period we have played in a while. It went down second period. Third one amazing. Slafkovský, Dobeš, Caufield, you guys are amazing.”
Confidence remained high among the crowd as chants broke out following the final buzzer.
“We will win the Cup,” one fan said.
Another supporter said the Canadiens’ victory over an undefeated Carolina team made the win even more meaningful.
“Honestly, I’m really relieved. This is one of the best games we could hope for. I’m really happy for it.”
The fan also believes Montreal has the momentum to keep rolling through the series.
“I’m just expecting more wins. We have really great momentum. I know everybody was doubting us, that we can put an end to Carolina’s streak. But I can say with confidence that Montreal is going to sweep the series.”
Looking ahead to Game 2
The Canadiens now hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Final heading into Game 2 on Saturday night at Lenovo Center.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
