Flynn stars as Canadiens take playoff series opener

Wins for Canadiens, Islanders, Blackhawks and Flames in the NHL playoffs.

Ottawa Senators v Montreal Canadiens
Canadiens scored all their goals in the second period [Getty Images]

Right-winger Brian Flynn scored the game-winner and added two assists in his playoffs debut to lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-3 home win over the Ottawa Senators in the opening game of their playoff series.

Goal-tender Carey Price stopped 30 shots for the Canadiens, while netminder Andrew Hammond made 35 saves for the Senators.

Elsewhere, centre Brock Nelson, right-winger Ryan Strome and left-winger Josh Bailey all scored their first career playoff goals and goal-tender Jaroslav Halak stopped 24 of 25 shots to lead the New York Islanders to a series-opening 4-1 victory over the Washington Capitals.

The Chicago Blackhaws recovered from a three-goal deficit to steal the opening game of their series 4-3 against the Nashville Predators.

Defenceman Kris Russell scored with 29.6 seconds left in the third period to give the Calgary Flames a 2-1 road victory over the Vancouver Canucks in the opening game of their Western Conference series.

Source: Reuters