Washington won the first playoff match against Montreal with 3–2, after a decisive goal in overtime by Russian superstar Alexander Ovetjkin.
Ovetjkin, who earlier in April surpassed Wayne Gretzky's goal record in NHL with his 895th goal, had never previously managed to score a goal in an overtime period in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
A goal is a goal, said Ovetjkin afterwards, who before tonight's goal had played 44 playoff matches that went to overtime without scoring a goal.
The 39-year-old also became a two-goal scorer tonight, after shooting 1–0 in the first period.
Washington now leads the quarterfinal series, which is decided in best of seven, with 1–0.
