Capitals Hold Off Canadiens 5-4 Behind Alex Tuch’s Three Point Performance

Washington Capitals Snap Two Game Losing Streak With Win Over Montreal

Alex Tuch scored twice and added an assist, and the Washington Capitals held off the Montreal Canadiens for a 5-4 victory Wednesday night, snapping a two game losing streak. Jordan Kyrou recorded a goal and an assist, while Justin Holl and Ivan Miroshnichenko also scored for Washington. Charlie Lindgren made 26 saves to help the Capitals bounce back after Tuesday night’s 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Josh Anderson scored twice for Montreal, while Lane Hutson and Nick Suzuki added goals. The Canadiens were unable to carry the momentum from Tuesday night’s 4-3 shootout victory over the Buffalo Sabres into another win, falling just short in a back-and-forth contest.

Canadiens and Capitals Trade Goals in Opening Period

Montreal struck first when Anderson found himself alone in front of the net and buried a feed from Alex Newhook 4:56 into the opening period. Washington responded minutes later as Kyrou cut toward the middle of the ice before firing a quick shot past Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes to even the score.

The Canadiens regained the lead roughly halfway through the period. Hutson, facing his younger brother Cole for the first time in an NHL game, beat Lindgren with a quick shot from the slot to give Montreal a 2-1 advantage.

However, Washington found an equalizer with just 25 seconds remaining in the first period. During a power play, Miroshnichenko sent a backdoor feed toward Tuch, whose attempt deflected off Anderson’s stick and into the net to make it 2-2 heading into the intermission.

Tuch’s Short Handed Goal Gives Washington the Lead

The Capitals took their first lead of the night 6:16 into the second period when Tuch scored a short handed goal, putting Washington ahead 3-2 and giving the visitors momentum. Anderson answered for Montreal, scoring from close range to record his second goal of the game and tie the contest once again.

Washington regained control with 7:31 remaining in the period. Holl fired a shot from the point through traffic that beat Dobes, putting the Capitals ahead 4-3. Tuch struck again minutes later, adding an insurance goal for his fifth of the season and extending Washington’s advantage to 5-3. The two-goal cushion proved crucial as Montreal continued to push for a comeback.

Canadiens Rally Late but Fall Short

Montreal made the closing minutes interesting when Suzuki scored on a power play with 1:39 remaining. With the extra attacker on the ice, the Canadiens pulled within one goal at 5-4 and put the pressure on Washington’s defense.

Despite the late push, the Capitals held on to secure the victory and end their two-game skid. Tuch’s three point performance proved decisive, while Washington’s ability to respond each time Montreal threatened to take control helped the Capitals escape with the win.

Next NHL Hockey Games for Canadiens and Capitals

The Canadiens will return home to host the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night as they look to get back into the win column. The Capitals will also be at home Saturday, welcoming the New Jersey Devils as they attempt to build on Wednesday’s victory and carry their momentum into the weekend.