Montreal needs to find a way to score more after totaling three goals in the first two games -- one each from Caufield, Suzuki and center Christian Dvorak -- and do a better job of defending. Washington has a 23-8 advantage in high-danger shots on goal, according to NHL EDGE Advanced Stats, through the first two games.

Connor McMichael and Dylan Strome scored a minute apart early in the second period, Logan Thompson made some spectacular stops among his 25 saves and the Washington Capitals beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-1 to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven first-round series.

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after his winning goal in overtime of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) AP