Christian Dvorak's crucial goal in the third period propelled the Montreal Canadiens to a 6-3 victory over the Washington Capitals, narrowing their first-round playoff series deficit to 2-1. Dvorak's shot deflected off Brandon Duhaime, leaving Capitals goalie Logan Thompson unable to stop it. Juraj Slafkovsky scored shortly after, increasing the lead to two goals. Thompson's situation now casts doubt on his availability for the next game, as he departed favoring his left leg. Montreal's net was further compromised as starting goalie Sam Montembeault exited due to a lower-body injury.

The Canadiens' scoring was bolstered by contributions from Alexandre Carrier, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Alex Newhook. Montembeault saved 11 of 13 shots before Jakub Dobes took over and managed seven saves on eight attempts. For the Capitals, Alex Ovechkin, Connor McMichael, and Jakob Chychrun each found the back of the net, with Ovechkin tying the game at three early in the third period before Montreal surged ahead.