The Washington Capitals showed why they’re a playoff force, crushing Montreal’s hopes with a decisive 5-2 win that puts them up 3-1 in their first-round series.
And they did it without any points from Alex Ovechkin.
The NHL’s greatest goal scorer was kept off the scoresheet despite firing five shots on net, but it didn’t matter. His teammates stepped up big time, especially in a monster third period where they buried the Canadiens’ comeback dreams.
Down 2-1 heading into the final frame, the Caps faced a crucial moment. Montreal, the East’s last playoff team to squeak in, was threatening to even the series.
That’s when Washington’s experience took over.
The Capitals exploded for four goals in the third, including a couple of empty-netters, completely flipping the script from their 6-3 loss on Friday night.
“Throughout the year, we’ve been dealt different hands,” veteran defenseman John Carlson said after the game. “To overcome things, it’s a good mental exercise. I think we rely on each other and our game, and we feel confident.”
The win sends a clear message to anyone who thought the underdog Canadiens might make this a competitive series: The Capitals aren’t messing around.
Montreal goalie Jakub Dobes, who had been solid through most of the series, finally cracked under Washington’s relentless pressure when it mattered most.
