The Montreal Canadiens won’t have the element of surprise when they try for a second road win vs. the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final on Saturday at Lenovo Center.
Puck drop at 7 p.m. (CBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports, TSN Radio 690, 98.5 FM).
Canadiens lead the best-of-seven series 1-0.
Here are the keys to tonight’s game:
Few expected the Canadiens to put up a touchdown against the Hurricanes, but that’s what happened in a stunning 6-2 win in Game 1.
Coach Martin St. Louis swapped defenceman Arber Xhekaj for Jayden Struble in Game 1. That was the only lineup change from the previous series.
The Canadiens continue to do their damage on the road. The Habs have a 2-4 playoff record at home and are 7-2 on road.
Hurricanes fans hit the exits early in the Canadiens’ Game 1 blowout. If the Habs jump out to an early lead, will they further fluster the Canes’ fanbase?
Stay tuned to this page for updates and game highlights throughout the evening. You can also keep the conversation going over on our livestream on the Hockey Inside Out YouTube channel.
First Period: Bilingual anthem singer snubbed
The Habs didn’t get a shot on goal until 11:11, but it crossed the goal line. Josh Anderson beat Frederik Andersen after Kaiden Guhle held the blue line. Tied 1-1
Andrei Svechnikov attempted to score a Michigan but couldn’t seal the deal.
The Hurricanes once again scored early. At 2:33, Eric Robinson deflected a puck past Jakub Dobes. 1-0 Hurricanes
Game 1’s Canadian anthem singer, who sang it bilingually to the delight of Habs fans, says he will not return for the series. Tonight’s anthem singer sung the Canadian anthem exclusively in English.
With great sadness, I have been informed that the hurricanes will be sticking with one anthem singer for the remainder of this series. The support I’ve received over the last 3 days has been I will never forget. Huge thanks to the @Canes organization again for the opportunity!
— Mason Greer (@masongreermusic) May 23, 2026