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The Penguins were well aware of the importance of scoring first on Montreal, given the Canadiens’ ability to protect a lead.
“That’s always something that helps,” Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said after today’s morning skate. “They have started well. Over the seven games, I think they got at least half the goals in the first period. We know they start strong. That’s an area we have to be aware of.”
Montreal scored first, but the Penguins took a 2-1 lead into the first intermission of Game 1, thanks to power-play goals by Sergei Gonchar and Jordan Staal.
How important were they?
Consider this: it’s the first time the Canadiens have trailed after the first period this postseason.