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Game 63: Canadiens vs Capitals

February 20, 2020, 9:44 PM ET [503 Comments]
Karine Hains
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Believe it or not, the 5 game losing streak is over even if the Canadiens played with only 5 d-men from early on in the first period. How can a team that cannot beat the Red Wings to save its life manage to beat one of the best teams in the NHL? Well, your guess is as good as mine really but they put on an inspired display tonight and they were rewarded with the 2 points. Surprisingly, Arturri Lehkonen got a night off tonight being a healthy scratch... That could mean a few things and we still have 4 days to speculate about that.

Minutes after the start of the game, Xavier Ouellet had to leave the game after being checked into the boards with his head being the main point of contact. That set the table for a very busy night for the top 4 remaining blueliners. Surprisingly, Chiarot and Kulak played more than Petry and Weber but considering that Weber is currently injured, it's fair enough.

Alex Ovechkin opened the score for the Caps with his 699th career goal and I'll be honest I was kind of hoping to see number 700 tonight, I mean, the guy sure knows how to celebrate and that's like witnessing history in the making but Carey Price wouldn't give him another one tonight. After the Caps' captain opened the score, Shea Weber tied it 10 minutes later and the Canadiens came out strong in the second. They dominated the middle frame with 17 shots to the Caps' 12 but both team scored once during that period. The Caps' goal came from Lars Eller while the Habs once again got a much needed push from Brendan Gallagher. Then, 30 seconds into the third, Chiarot gave the Canadiens the lead for the first time of the game and for a good long while, it looked like they were going to hang in there but Washington tied things up with 21 seconds to go in regulation. The overtime period didn't last long though, looks like Ben Chiarot loved scoring so much, that he gave the Habs the win off a nice Max Domi feed.

Even though this is a lost battle, the Habs captain and their first line clearly intend to go down swinging. The Tatar-Danault-Gallagher line was on the ice for all 3 of the Canadiens' regulation time goals and should Bergevin decide to move Tomas "Tuna" Tatar, he will no doubt have helped him get the best possible value. From throw in in the Pacioretty trade to first line winger and team leader in points (55 points in 63 games) the Habs are clearly getting their money's worth on number 90 but will the GM be willing to move this worthy asset? 4 days left until we have an answer one way or another...

The Habs will be back in action on Saturday in Ottawa, should be a struggle considering the Sens' place in the standings...
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