MTL@VGK: Game 1 Recap

LAS VEGAS - The Canadiens dropped a 4-1 decision to the Golden Knights on Monday night at T-Mobile Arena. They trail the series 1-0.

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It was the first playoff meeting between Montreal and Vegas.
Since the Golden Knights joined the NHL ranks in 2017-18, the Canadiens have compiled a 5-1-0 record in six regular-season meetings versus their Nevada-based opponents.

It was the Habs' first encounter at T-Mobile Arena since October 31, 2019.

Interim head coach Dominique Ducharme's squad was deprived of defenseman Jeff Petry's services for a second straight game.
With Petry on the sidelines, rookie Alexander Romanov made the second postseason appearance of his career.
The 21-year-old Russian started the contest alongside Erik Gustafsson.

Romanov made his presence felt early in the game with a solid hit on Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo.

Vegas opened the scoring at the 9:15 mark of the first period.
Centreman Chandler Stephenson won the draw in the offensive zone, affording defenseman Shea Theodore the chance to fire a point blast that beat goaltender Carey Price up high.

It was Theodore's first goal of the playoffs.
It was also the first time in 447:08 of action that Montreal trailed in a game.
Ducharme's squad hadn't trailed since Game 4 of the first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
That's the way things stood after 20 minutes. The Canadiens led 12-8 in shots at the break.
The Golden Knights went up 2-0 just 2:18 into the second period.
Theodore sold a one-timer to perfection before feeding Alec Martinez, who beat a helpless Price.

It was the third goal of the playoffs for Martinez.
Right-winger Reilly Smith also assisted on the tally.
Shortly after the Martinez strike, Price made a spectacular save on Golden Knights captain Mark Stone to keep the Canadiens within two.

Montreal cut the Vegas lead in half at the 12:05 mark of the frame courtesy of a power play goal by Cole Caufield.
The 20-year-old rookie jumped on a rebound off a shot by Tyler Toffoli to register the first playoff snipe of his NHL career.

Caufield's parents, Kelly and Paul, along with his brother, Brock, were in attendance for the occasion.

With an assist on the tally, Toffoli extended his point streak to seven games.
Right-winger Corey Perry collected a helper as well.
Unfortunately, the Golden Knights restored their two-goal advantage just 53 seconds later.
Forward Mattias Janmark tipped a shot from Alex Tuch past Price to give Vegas a 3-1 lead.

It was Janmark's fourth goal of the playoffs.
That's the way things stood after 40 minutes. The Golden Knights also led 21-17 in shots.
Defenseman Nick Holden put Vegas ahead 4-1 with 9:54 left in regulation.
The Golden Knights' blueliner evaded coverage before burying a feed from Smith.

It was Holden's second goal of the playoffs.
That's the way this one finished.
Price made 26 saves in the loss.
Game 2 will be played on Wednesday night at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET.