Florida led the game against Montreal after the opening set 7-3. The match ended 9–5.
The opening round of the NHL match between Florida and Montreal saw a real goal celebration. More goals were scored in one game than in 35 years. Ten hits were scored, Florida led 7–3 after the opening set.
– I have never seen anything like this. I haven’t scored so many goals in 25 years. There were more goals than chances, Florida coach Paul Maurice wondered.
The record for one set in the NHL is 12 goals. It has been done twice in the 1980s. Ten goals have been scored several times, but the previous one was in 1988.
Florida’s seven goals in a set was a new club record.
– Defensively, we forgot everything. In attack, we had three goals after three shots, but you have to know how to defend, Montreal coach Martin St. Louis said.
Montreal goaltender Sam Montembeault was substituted after conceding three goals on six shots. Instead of skating Jake Allen had to surrender six times until Montembeault returned to the goal in the second period and did not give up another hit.
Florida’s ninth goal came in 27:33. After that, it didn’t make any more hits. After that, the match saw only one goal scored by Montreal. The final numbers were 9–5.
About the Finns of Florida Alexander Barkov got two assists and Eetu Luostarinen one.