MONTREAL, QUEBEC – Alexander Ovechkin and Mike Knuble scored twice, and Semyon Varlamov stopped 36 shots as the Washington Capitals moved one step closer to clinching their first round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens winning Wednesday night 6-3 to take a 3-1 series lead.
It seems almost certain now that Bruce Boudreau’s side will advance to round two, despite some early scares. While there is still hope for the Habs, history is against them as they have only managed to come back from 3-1 down in a series once in 15 previous attempts during their colourful history.
Ovechkin grabbed the opener early in the first period, netting Washington’s first power play goal of the series, after going 0-14 in the previous three games. But Mike Cammalleri was on hand to tie the game before the first intermission off an assist by Glenn Metropolit.
The momentum moved back and forth during the second period with Varlamov pulling off a string of great saves, including a huge glove save to deny Cammalleri, his second of the night. Brian Gionta gave Montreal the lead with a power play goal. Mike Knuble’s shorthanded effort late in the frame kept the game tied at 2-2 with one period left in regulation.
The Caps found an extra gear in the third and were able to pull away from the frustrated Canadiens, who started with Carey Price in net. While Price also made a number of important saves, he was unable to help his side level the series heading back to Washington at the weekend.
Washington will be looking to wrap up the series on home ice. As it stands will likely meet Philadelphia or perhaps Boston in round two depending on how each series finish.
Contact the author: rob.mcgregor@prohockeynews.com
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