Avalanche, Canadiens win Game 1s in playoff openers
Tap title to read story
Denver — The top-seeded Colorado Avalanche beat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 Sunday in Game 1, with Logan O'Connor scoring his first goal since April 26 and Scott Wedgewood stopping 24 shots in his first Stanley Cup playoff start. In Tampa, the Montreal Canadiens stunned the Lightning as Juraj Slafkovsky recorded a hat trick and scored the overtime winner.
Both results shifted early series dynamics this week: Colorado earned home-ice advantage momentum ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday while Montreal wrested away home-ice edge in its series after Slafkovsky's 1:22 overtime strike. Coaches from the Kings and Lightning indicated they will reevaluate goaltending and special teams before the next scheduled games.
More context
Timeline
- 1. April 26 — Logan O'Connor's previous playoff goal recorded (most recent before current tally).
- 2. Early June — Logan O'Connor underwent hip surgery (player statement reported).
- 3. Regular season — Scott Wedgewood led the league in goals-against average and save percentage (season statistics cited).
- 4. Sunday — Avalanche beat Kings 2-1; Canadiens beat Lightning 4-3 in overtime in their respective Game 1s.
- 5. Tuesday — Game 2 scheduled in Denver for the Avalanche-Kings series; teams prepare tactical adjustments.
Why it matters
If you're a hockey fan, these games are a big deal. The Avalanche and Canadiens' wins change the series dynamics. It could mean more exciting games ahead. If you're into sports betting, these results might affect your strategy.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
