Montreal Canadiens 3, Caps 2 (Overtime)

Not the way the Caps hoped to start the Stanley Cup playoffs. But the NHL got another early-round upset from a lower seed as No. 1 Washington fell in overtime on a Tomas Plekanec goal. The Caps were by far the better team in the first period, but trailed early and found themselves only tied at the intermission. Montreal made some subtle adjustments – quicker puck movement for one thing so they could at least set up a tighter forecheck. The Caps regained the momentum when Nicklas Backstrom scored 47 seconds into the third period, but couldn’t put the Canadiens away. When Scott Gomez made a dazzling move at center ice and then finished the return pass from Brian Gionta the game was tied again and it was on to overtime.