Canadiens Catch Hurricanes Flat-Footed in Game 1 Rout

Montreal walks into the series with a statement win, and Carolina suddenly looks a lot less automatic than its reputation suggested. The Hurricanes have built a playoff identity on structure and relentless pressure, so a Game 1 collapse gets everybody in the room checking the wiring. The Canadiens took advantage of the opening and made Carolina chase the game, which is never where the Hurricanes want to live.