(Montreal) Pavel Zacha scored just 36 seconds into the game and the Boston Bruins led 1-0 against the Montreal Canadiens after one period on Saturday night at the Bell Centre.
Zacha scored his fifth goal of the season by deflecting a Charlie McAvoy shot.
The Canadian had a few opportunities to respond quickly, but he often missed the target.
For his part, Brendan Gallagher reached the post on a return near mid-period, after a throw from Sean Monahan during a two-on-one attack.
Monahan also hit the post with less than four minutes remaining in the first period, moments after Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk also hit the post at the other end of the ice.
Jeremy Swayman stopped each of the Canadian’s six shots during the first 20 minutes of play. For his part, Samuel Montembeault made five saves.
Forward Rafaël Harvey-Pinard was back in the Canadiens lineup after missing three games due to a lower body injury. Joel Armia gave way to him.
The Canadian will play again on Sunday evening, when the Vancouver Canucks are the visitors at the Bell Centre.
