The first period started off slow for both teams as the Canadiens managed to get three shots on goal in the first few minutes of the period while the Lightning managed none. Vladislav Namestnikov took a hooking penalty though and gave the Canadiens an early power play chance.
The Canadiens only managed one shot on goal on the power play and one more shot in the first half of the period. The Canadiens wouldn’t produce another shot on goal until there was only 3:30 left on the clock. In the mean time though, the Canadiens had multiple breakaway opportunities.