Canadiens beat the Capitals 6-3 to cut their series deficit to 2-1
In a thrilling game, the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Washington Capitals 6-3, reducing their series deficit to 2-1. Christian Dvorak's decisive goal early in the third period broke a tie, with his shot deflecting off a Capitals player to find the net. The game saw both teams suffer significant injuries, with Montreal's starting goalie Sam Montembeault exiting due to a lower-body injury, and Washington's goalie Logan Thompson also leaving after a collision. Additional goals from Juraj Slafkovsky, Alexandre Carrier, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Alex Newhook bolstered Montreal's lead, while Alex Ovechkin, Connor McMichael, and Jakob Chychrun scored for Washington. The match was marked by a heated altercation involving Tom Wilson and Josh Anderson, resulting in a brawl that extended into the Capitals' bench area.
Christian Dvorak scored the crucial tie-breaking goal for the Canadiens at 4:17 of the third period, with his shot deflecting off Washington's Brandon Duhaime and past goalie Logan Thompson.
Juraj Slafkovsky extended Montreal's lead to two goals after a play that saw Capitals forward Dylan Strome crash into and injure goalie Logan Thompson, casting doubt on Thompson's availability for the next game.
Montreal's starting goalie, Sam Montembeault, left the game due to a lower-body injury, leading Jakub Dobes to step in and make seven saves on eight shots in relief.
The Capitals' Alex Ovechkin tied the game at 3-3 early in the third period before Montreal pulled ahead, while Connor McMichael and Jakob Chychrun also contributed goals for Washington.
A heated altercation erupted at the end of the second period involving Tom Wilson and Josh Anderson, which escalated into a brawl that spilled into the Capitals' bench area.
Logan Thompson, Washington's goalie, stopped 30 of 35 shots before leaving the game injured, while Charlie Lindgren made four saves on five shots for the Capitals.
Montreal's additional goals were scored by Alexandre Carrier, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Alex Newhook, contributing to their 6-3 victory over Washington.