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Canadiens strong start leads to Game 1 win over Jets

Jun 2, 2021; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Jesperi Kotkaniemi (15) scores a first period goal against Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) in game one of the second round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell MTS Place. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports

The Montreal Canadiens strong start set the tone early. First-period goals by Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Eric Staal and Nick Suzuki sent the visitors off and running to a 5-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday to open their second-round playoff series.

Brendan Gallagher and Jake Evans also scored for the Canadiens, while goaltender Carey Price made 27 saves.