Capitals defeat Canadiens in overtime in Game 1 of playoffs

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      “I’m disappointed,” said one Montreal Canadiens fan, after the team lost Game 1 of the playoffs to the Washington Capitals. Adriana Gentile reports.

      By Adriana Gentile and Sportsnet Staff

      The Canadiens opened the playoffs with a tough 3-2 overtime loss to the Capitals in Washington on Monday night, as Alex Ovechkin netted the first playoff overtime goal of his NHL career to seal Game 1 of their first-round series.

      Fresh off breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record for the most goals in league history 15 days earlier, Ovechkin’s second of the game 3:26 into overtime allowed the Eastern Conference top-seeded Capitals to escape after blowing a two-goal third-period lead. Before letting it slip away, they spent much of the night bullying the smaller, less experienced Canadiens with one big hit after another.

      But it was not easy. Pierre-Luc Dubois’ penalty paved the way for Cole Caufield to start Montreal’s comeback bid with 9:28 left in regulation. The Capitals tried to hold on, but a defensive-zone mishap allowed Nick Suzuki to tie it with 4:15 left on a shot into a wide-open net after goaltender Logan Thompson slid out to his right and was inadvertently knocked out of the crease by teammate Connor McMichael as he tried to keep the puck out.

      Fortunately for them, Ovechkin’s goal gave them a 1-0 series lead — Washington’s first playoff victory since May 7, 2022. Anthony Beauvillier had the other goal in regulation, and Thompson finished with 33 saves in his first NHL game action since being injured when a shot dislodged his mask on April 2 at Carolina.

      At the other end of the ice, Sam Montembeault was arguably the Canadiens’ best player, stopping 29 of the 31 shots he faced in his Stanley Cup playoff debut.

      Canadiens fans unite at Espace 1909

      Fans gathered in full force at Espace 1909, showing their support throughout the game.

      CityNews spoke to several Canadiens fans after the game, who shared their thoughts on the team’s performance and discussed their expectations for the upcoming games.

      Espace 1909
      Espace 1909 is hosting viewing parties for the Montreal Canadiens’ first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)

      One fan was disappointed with the outcome but focused on the positives, particularly Montreal’s strong third-period play. “I think it was good. I think we really did good in the third period. We should have done it until the last second of the game, but it’s Ovechkin, right?” he said.

      “I think we all feel the same. It’s disappointing, but we have to get back for Game 2,” he added.

      When asked how the Canadiens would bounce back, he remained optimistic. “We have to, we have Demidov, so we’re going to win for sure. I say Canadiens in five.”

      Montreal Canadiens fans gathered at Espace 1909 to watch Game 1 of the playoff series against Washington. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)

      Another fan was pumped despite the loss. “Honestly, I’m really energized. I think the game went really well, and I hope that it keeps going for the next few games,” she said.

      “The energy. As soon as they got in front of the net, they were relentless. And I think that worked really well for them.”

      Her friend echoed the sentiment, feeling hopeful for the future. “I feel good. I feel like they kept up with the Capitals, and it’s promising, and I’m excited for them to come home to Montreal, and it’s going to be a great show.

      “I have a lot of hope. We’re the underdogs. We’re always the underdogs. And they got to keep working hard, and the big players have to show up like they did tonight. And it should be good.”

      Montreal Canadiens fans gathered at Espace 1909 to watch Game 1 of the playoff series against Washington. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)

      Another fan expressed disappointment with the score but praised the team’s effort. “It’s not a lack of effort. We’re one of the youngest teams in the league. We’re playing against the powerhouse of the league. We lost in overtime. And there’s two goals in the game. The best scorer in the league’s history. Sometimes things are happening, but the team played very well.”

      He did, however, have concerns about the officiating, particularly a missed penalty on Lane Hutson before Washington’s first power play. “Lane Hutson gets a cross-check in the face, there’s no penalty. And Washington is going on a power play, and they’re scoring on it. It’s questionable,” he said.

      Despite these frustrations, he remained confident the Canadiens could bounce back. “They have some character. When you’re looking at all the games they played during the year, they often came back in some games. Just like in 2010, during the spring Halak, we were losing 1-3 in the series, and we came back to win it in seven. In this same type of situation, I’m not stressed about it. I’m proud of the team.”

      As the Canadiens continue their playoff run, the venue will host viewing parties on April 23, 25, 27, and potentially beyond. The gatherings provide fans with an opportunity to watch the games together in a lively setting. Due to limited seating, those interested in attending are advised to arrive early.

      Canadiens look to bounce back in upcoming games

      With the series now underway, the Canadiens will look to bounce back and turn things around in the coming games. Game 2 is Wednesday night in Washington before the series shifts to Montreal for Games 3 and 4, on Friday and Sunday.

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