The Montreal Canadiens broke through with a decisive 6-3 victory over the Washington Capitals, but the game was overshadowed by a second-period brawl that showcased the heightened intensity of the playoffs. The return of Arber Xhekaj was a pivotal factor, as his presence seemed to ignite the Canadiens' aggressive tactics. Tensions escalated when Xhekaj faced off against Tom Wilson during warmups, setting the stage for the ensuing chaos. The brawl erupted after a hit on Jake Evans, leading to a melee that saw multiple players involved, most notably Xhekaj and Wilson. The Canadiens' offense was fueled by contributions from key players, including Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, while rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes stepped in after starter Sam Montembeault was injured. The victory cut the Capitals' series lead to 2-1, adding pressure for the upcoming Game 4.