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Canadiens Postgame

Canadiens Win Crazy Game Full Of Goals, Fights, And Injuries

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montreal canadiens capitals

The Montreal Canadiens hosted the Washington Capitals on Friday night, looking to avoid a disheartening 0-3 series deficit.

It was easily the best game of the playoffs for the Habs, as they out-played, out-hit, and flat-out dominated the Capitals in a highly entertaining game in which both teams lost their starting goalies.

In the end, the Canadiens emerged with a well-deserved 6-3 win to cut the series lead to just 2-1.

There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s dive into the highlights!

Do Or Die Time

The Habs started with a little extra pep in their step, thanks in part to the energy provided by the fans whenever Arber Xhekaj took to the ice. That being said, it would be unfair to credit Xhekaj with the improved rhythm, as players such as Josh Anderson also did a great job energizing the crowd.

Once the adrenaline dump was over, things settled down a little, which led to Connor McMichael scoring his third goal of the series. The Habs responded quite well, and it didn’t take them 20 minutes to do so.

After generating the most high-danger scoring chances at 5v5 in any period of the series, defenceman Alexandre Carrier scored a crucial late goal. You’ll note Logan Thompson was dealing with a lot of traffic, with multiple screens in place to frustrate the Capitals netminder.

Like Monty From WW2 But Less Annoying And Arrogant

Samuel Montembeault has quietly enjoyed a very solid series so far, and he maintained his excellent play in Game 3. Not only did he rob the Capitals on a sure-goal situation, even Alex Ovechkin thought it was a guaranteed marker.

Unfortunately, Montembeault had to leave the game late in the second period, which led to rookie netminder Jakub Dobes making his NHL Playoffs debut in a less-than-ideal situation.

Montembeault quickly grabbed his left leg following a lateral transition earlier in the period, but at the risk of playing doctor on the internet, he did not look to be in serious pain, even if it was clear something was bothering him.

Should Montembeault not be able to play on Friday, except Cayden Primeau to receive a call-up, as Jacob Fowler only has an AHL contract at this point in time.

Give And Go

Nick Suzuki briefly gave the Habs a lead, and it must be said even if it has been said a thousand times: He thrives in big moments.


Of course, the Capitals responded, but the good news is that it cued up a dramatic goal that was set up perfectly by rookie Lane Hutson, who continues to lead the team in scoring. Full marks to Cole Caufield as well, scoring his second goal of the playoffs after the great Hutson interception.

I Love The Playoffs

Just as the second period concluded, Xhekaj got into a shoving match with a few Capitals players, which then led to Tom Wilson looking for Josh Anderson amid the scrum.

The Capitals bench door opened, and all hell broke loose. If you’d like more information about the crazy play, check out our standalone article.

The Canadiens took over the game following the bad decision by Wilson to go looking for trouble. There’s absolutely no doubt they unravelled, and that’s a great sign for the Habs going forward.

It should also be noted that Logan Thompson had to leave the game following a great goal by Juraj Slafkovsky that also saw Dylan Strome violently crash into the Capitals netminder.

Juraj Slafkovsky’s fantastic performance on Friday night should not be overshadowed. He was arguably the best player on the ice.

The Montreal Canadiens are back in action on Sunday. They will face the Washington Capitals at the Bell Centre. Game Four’s puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET.

All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick.

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