Capitals Seek Sweep Against Canadiens in Game 3 of Playoff Series

Montreal, Quebec — The Washington Capitals will aim to sweep the Montreal Canadiens as they head into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference’s first round on Friday night. The Capitals lead the best-of-seven series 2-0.

The Capitals clinched their second straight victory with a 3-1 win on Wednesday at Capital One Arena. Connor McMichael scored twice, including an empty-net goal to secure the game. Goaltender Logan Thompson made 25 saves, including 14 in the third period, to help Washington pull ahead.

“He was the difference tonight in the third,” coach Spencer Carbery said about Thompson. “Each save he made brought energy to the building.”

Montreal took an early lead in Game 2 when Christian Dvorak scored at 1:16 in the second period, but the Capitals quickly responded. McMichael tied the game at 3:47, followed by Dylan Strome‘s goal that gave Washington a lead soon after.

Despite mounting pressure from Montreal in the third period, Thompson’s performance kept the Canadiens from equalizing. Canadiens forward Patrik Laine was benched in the final period, a decision coach Martin St. Louis explained as necessary for the game’s urgency.

“I went with the nine or 10 players who I thought could help the cause,” St. Louis said.

Game 3 will take place at the Bell Centre at 7 p.m. ET, broadcast live on TNT. The Capitals aim to push the Canadiens closer to elimination with a win.