Senators lose a thriller to the Canadiens

It was a wild one in Montreal tonight as the Canadiens held on to beat the Ottawa Senators 4-3 in a thriller.

There were a lot of emotions in game one tonight in the opening round of the playoff series between Montreal and Ottawa. The Canadiens paid tribute to Senators assistant coach Mark Reeds, who passed away yesterday at 55, with a moment of silence prior to the puck drop.

The Senators get lucky in the first period thanks to a gift by Andrei Markov who scores in his own net. Milan Michalek was given credit for the goal. Senators led 1-0 after one period.

A crazy 2^nd period ensued with 5 goals scored in less than 5 minutes. The Canadiens started things off as Torrey Mitchell ties it up for Montreal. Fifteen seconds later Tomas Plekanec  scored to make it 2-1 Canadiens. Then things started to get nasty. Canadiens defenceman PK Subban is handed a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for his 2 handed slash on Senators rookie of the year candidate, Mark Stone. Stone left the ice immediately but returned shortly after. The Senators responded as Kyle Turris scores on the power play to tie the game at 2.

The Canadiens and Senators exchanged goals. Lars Eller scores shorthanded for a 3-2 lead but the Senators come right back as Mika Zibanejad beats Price with the rebound, 3-3.

With under 3 minutes left in the period, Brian Flynn puts Montreal back on top 4-3 to end the 2^nd period.

In the 3^rd period, Stone would leave the ice after being in discomfort but would later return. There was no scoring in the 3^rd period as the Canadiens hold onto win 4-3 to take a 1-0 series lead with game two going Friday night in Montreal.

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  Ottawa Senators' Eric Gryba, left, Cody Ceci, center, and goaltender Andrew Hammond, right, watch the final seconds of the third period of Game 1 NHL first round playoff hockey action against the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday, April 15, 2015 in Montreal. The Canadiens won the game 4-3. (Ryan Remiorz/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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  Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators players scuffle after the Canadiens 4-3 win in Game 1 of the NHL first round playoff series Wednesday, April 15, 2015 in Montreal. (Ryan Remiorz/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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  Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban (76) argues after receiving a game misconduct during second period of Game 1 NHL first round playoff hockey action against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, in Montreal. (Ryan Remiorz/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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  Ottawa Senators right wing Mark Stone (61) grimaces after being slashed by Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban (76) during second period of Game 1 NHL first round playoff hockey action on Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2015, in Montreal. (Ryan Remiorz/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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  Ottawa Senators' Erik Karlsson tries to deflect a shot past Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price during third period of Game 1 NHL Stanley Cup first round playoff hockey action Wednesday, April 15, 2015 in Montreal. The Canadiens beat the Senators 4-3 to take a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series. (Paul Chiasson/THE CANADIAN PRESS)