Capitals vs. Canadiens: How the Game Was Won

"This would have been an easy spot for a shorthanded Caps squad to effectively "punt" on a game that looked to have gotten away from them. Instead, they flipped the ice in their favor throughout the third period, with an expected goals share of 95.7% at all strengths. Ethen Frank, who's taken advantage of the increased opportunity, was a spark plug for Washington as his redirect of a Matt Roy shot got them on the board:"

"They continued to pressure Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault throughout the period, who was able to protect what was now a one-goal lead. As Logan Thompson went to the bench for the extra attacker with two minutes left, Frank would again find himself in the right place at the right time to tie up what seemed like a sure loss less a half hour ago:"

The Washington Capitals were missing top center Pierre-Luc Dubois, Tom Wilson, Jakob Chychrun, and Justin Sourdif. Montreal opened a 2-0 lead while Washington's offense appeared listless through 40 minutes. Washington dominated the third period with a 95.7% expected goals share at all strengths. Ethen Frank redirected a Matt Roy shot to cut the deficit and later found the net again to tie the game after the Capitals pulled the goalie for an extra attacker. Washington sustained pressure on Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault and ultimately secured the victory in overtime, earning two points despite the extensive inactive list.

Read at Japers' Rink