Before it was time to skate, attention was drawn to the Black lives matter movement, and the message to put an end to racism. Canadian national team player Matt Dumba, everyday in the Minnesota Wild, gave a speech on systematic racism in society.

"Racism is everywhere, and we must fight it," he said, clearly moved.

- Hockey is a fantastic sport, but it can be much better. And it all starts with us, he concluded before kneeling during the US National Anthem.

Chicago goalkeeper Malcolm Subban then stood on one side with his hand on his shoulder, while Edmonton defender Darnell Nurse did the same on the other side.

Goal-rich match

Chicago and Edmonton settle in a match series of the best of five, where an eighth-place finish is in the pot. The team's premiere match became a goal-rich story.

After Connor McDavid opened the scoring in powerplay for Edmonton two and a half minutes into the game, where Oscar Klefbom was noted for an assist, it was Chicago for all the money in the first period, with no less than four goals. Dominik Kubalik was involved in three goals, and he was noted for three assists.

Edmonton acted dizzy.

- We should be better in five against five, and be prepared when the puck is released, says Oscar Klefbom at a digital press conference after the match.

Why Edmonton simply did not seem match ready, he had no real answer.

- We have to simplify things, if we are to be an even team we have to start with the small things and do them right, he says.

Czech two-goal shooter

Chicago also won the second period, when Czech Kubalik switched from forward to goal scorer. After the 5-1 goal, Edmonton goalkeeper Mike Smith had to leave the ice, and Finnish Mikko Koskinen had to make his playoff debut. Kubalik, however, had time before the period was over to ensure that Koskinen was not allowed to keep a clean sheet in his debut.

With a 6-2 lead before the final period, it looked like the Illinois team could rest for the last 20 minutes. But Edmonton had other plans, and made sure to hit two reduction pucks into the net, where Klefbom was noted for tonight's second assist.

But the Canadians did not come any closer than that, and the final result was written 6-4, after Chicago had a goal in the open box ruled out as a result of offside.

Elsewhere in the playoffs, the New York Islanders won their first game against Florida 2-1, while Carolina defeated the New York Rangers 3-2.