The Avalanche dominated early, leading 2-0 after the first period and outshooting the Canadiens 16-6 on Saturday.
Despite the deficit, a playoff-like atmosphere filled the Bell Centre, with seven former players—winners of 30 combined championships—joining the crowd. “Tonight we’re playing one of the best teams in the League,” said Canadiens legend Serge Savard. “If we get a point tonight against those guys, it will be a bonus.”
Montreal delivered a thrilling third-period comeback, scoring three goals in 4:08 to tie it 4-4. Though they ultimately fell 5-4 in a shootout, the sellout crowd of 21,105 gave them a thunderous ovation.
