Capitals Lead Canadiens 2-1 Amid Goalie Injuries

The Washington Capitals lead the Montreal Canadiens 2-1 in their first-round NHL playoff series after Montreal rallied for a 6-3 win in Game 3. The series, previously in Washington's favor due to strong play from Logan Thompson and Connor McMichael, shifted with both teams suffering key goalie injuries in Game 3: Thompson left after a collision, while Montreal's Sam Montembeault exited with a lower-body injury. Emergency call-ups and rookie goaltender appearances have further heightened uncertainty ahead of Game 4. Thompson's participation in practice has given Capitals fans hope, but both teams' starting goalie statuses remain unclear. Game 3 also featured a bench-clearing altercation, underscoring the series' physical intensity. The outcome of Game 4 may depend on which backup goaltender can rise to the occasion.