The Habs gave up the first goal of the game 1:34 in, with Jason Spezza putting home his 12th of the season on a pump-fake move streaking down the wing. By the five-minute mark of the first period, the Habs were leading 7-4 in shot attempts, but had only gotten through one shot on net.
The Habs continued to dominate in possession, leading 17-8 in shot attempts with five minutes left in the first period.
Alexei Emelin took a rough hit without the puck from Patrick Eaves, giving the Habs a chance on the powerplay.