The Colorado Avalanche lead the Montreal Canadiens 2-0 after the first period following goals from Fedor Svechkov and Brock Nelson.

The Avs got outshot 10-5 in the opening frame, but they made the most of their opportunities and Mackenzie Blackwood stopped all 10 shots he faced.

Nick Suzuki tied it for Montreal just past the halfway point after a beautiful move in front of the net. The Canadiens captain pulled off one of the highlight-reel goals of the season when he did a spinorama with possession of the puck before lifting a backhand by Blackwood to make it a 2-1 game. 

After two periods, it was a nip and tuck affair with both goaltenders showing out. The Avalanche took a 2-1 lead to the dressing room prior to the third period. The Canadiens outshot the Avalanche 18-15 at this juncture.