The Carolina Hurricanes scored a quick first goal for the second game in a row, but they allowed only one answer this time as the sides are tied 1-1 after one period in Game 2.
The Hurricanes took a 1-0 lead after just 33 seconds in the first game of the series, but the Canadiens answered with four goals to hold a dominant lead after the first period.
Eric Robinson scored the opening goal of the game for Carolina, and Josh Anderson answered for the Habs on Saturday.
The Canadiens managed just two shots on goal in the first period, while the Hurricanes finished with seven shots on net.
The Hurricanes earned their first power-play opportunity of the contest late in the first period, after Jayden Struble was whistled for roughing after taking Andrei Svechnikov down after the whistle.
Carolina did not threaten the Canadiens throughout the power play before Svechnikov took a penalty of his own, when he was whistled for boarding against Anderson to send the game to 4-on-4. The Canadiens could not convert on the ensuing power play either.
Midway through the frame, Taylor Hall got caught with a careless clearing pass out of his defensive zone that was intercepted at the blue line. A sequence of passes ended on Anderson’s stick, who beat Frederik Andersen to get the Canadiens on the board and even the score at 1-1.
Montreal took the first power play of the game after Logan Stankoven was whistled for interference while defending an odd-man rush. Carolina’s penalty kill was up to the task though, as they held Montreal without a shot on goal to continue the unit’s strong play of late - the Hurricanes have killed the past 11 penalties they’ve faced in these playoffs.
Just like in the series opener, Game 2 had some early dangerous opportunities for both sides - and it was Carolina who cashed in first. William Carrier took an innocent shot from distance, and Robinson got a stick on the puck for an awkward redirect that beat Jakub Dobes for a 1-0 Hurricanes lead after just 2:33 of game time.
The Habs and Hurricanes traded goals within the first minute of action in the series opener on Thursday.
The Canadiens can take firm control of the series - a win in this game would send them back to Montreal with a 2-0 series lead, which the Hurricanes are trying to avoid.
You can listen to the rest of this game LIVE on TSN690 Montreal.
