- Montreal scores twice in decisive third period to secure comeback victory
- Both starting goalies leave with injuries, casting doubt on Game 4 availability
- Alex Ovechkin nets tying goal before Canadiens regain momentum
- Bench-clearing brawl sparks tensions in final minutes of second period
The Montreal Canadiens delivered a pivotal playoff performance Friday night, overcoming a third-period tie to defeat the Washington Capitals 6-3 in a game that saw multiple momentum shifts. With this crucial victory, the Habs narrowed their first-round series deficit to 2-1, reigniting hopes for a historic comeback in the NHL playoffs.
Christian Dvorak's deflection goal early in the third period proved the game-winner, capitalizing on a Washington defensive miscue. The play began when Juraj Slafkovsky forced a turnover along the boards, feeding Dvorak for a sharp-angle shot that caromed off Capitals forward Brandon Duhaime past goalie Logan Thompson. Montreal's offensive surge continued six minutes later when Slafkovsky converted a breakaway opportunity after Thompson collided with his own teammate during the sequence.
Goaltending emerged as a critical storyline, with both teams losing their starters to lower-body injuries. Montreal's Sam Montembeault exited midway through the second period after stopping 11 of 13 shots, while Thompson required assistance leaving the ice following Slafkovsky's insurance goal. The injuries thrust backup netminders Jakub Dobes (Montreal) and Charlie Lindgren (Washington) into high-pressure relief roles during critical playoff minutes.
Physical intensity reached a boiling point at the second intermission when Capitals enforcer Tom Wilson engaged Montreal's Josh Anderson in a bench-area brawl. The altercation began with cross-checks between Wilson and Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj before spilling into Washington's player area, resulting in multiple fighting majors and heightened animosity between the division rivals.
Montreal's victory followed a concerning pattern for Washington, marking the third consecutive postseason where the Capitals have struggled to protect third-period leads. Historical data shows teams winning Game 3 after 0-2 series deficits improve their series-winning probability by 38%, according to NHL playoff analytics. The Canadiens now join 12 other franchises since 2010 to force a Game 4 after dropping the first two matchups on the road.
Regional hockey analysts highlight Montreal's improved forechecking strategy as the series shifts back to Bell Centre for Game 4. The Habs generated 18 high-danger scoring chances compared to Washington's 9, exploiting gaps in the Capitals' neutral zone coverage. This tactical adjustment mirrors Montreal's successful 2021 playoff run, where coach Dominique Ducharme's system propelled an underdog roster to the Stanley Cup Final despite significant injuries.
With both teams facing goaltending uncertainties, Sunday's matchup could see emergency recalls from AHL affiliates. Montreal may turn to Cayden Primeau (2.98 GAA in 18 NHL appearances) if Montembeault remains sidelined, while Washington might activate veteran Darcy Kuemper despite his .893 save percentage during the regular season. The injury developments add intrigue to a series already defined by physical play and unpredictable momentum swings.