WASHINGTON — Nick Suzuki led the Montreal Canadiens to a 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Tuesday, contributing two goals and an assist in a display that underscored his leadership and skill. The Canadiens (21-21-8) returned from the NHL All-Star break with renewed vigor, marking their first game since the departure of center Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets.
Suzuki’s performance, coupled with Juraj Slafkovsky’s two goals and Mike Matheson’s two assists, helped Montreal secure an early lead and maintain control throughout the game. Sam Montembeault’s 37 saves were critical in fending off the Capitals’ attempts to rally, as the Canadiens aimed to build momentum in the latter half of the season.
The Capitals (22-19-7), despite Alex Ovechkin’s goal and Dylan Strome’s two assists, extended their losing streak to five games (0-4-1), highlighting their recent struggles. The goaltending change from Charlie Lindgren to Darcy Kuemper after the Canadiens’ third goal did little to shift the game’s tide in Washington’s favor.
Montreal’s early onslaught began with Suzuki scoring twice in less than a minute during the first period, showcasing the team’s aggressive approach and readiness to capitalize on opportunities. Michael Pezzetta’s goal further extended the Canadiens’ lead, setting a challenging pace for the Capitals.
Despite Ovechkin’s goal in the second period providing a glimmer of hope for Washington, Montreal’s defense, anchored by Montembeault’s stellar goaltending, effectively neutralized the Capitals’ offense. Slafkovsky’s third-period goals, including his first multigoal game in the NHL, sealed the victory for the Canadiens.
The Capitals’ inability to convert their chances into goals, compounded by defensive lapses, underscored the challenges facing the team as they seek to reverse their fortunes and climb back into playoff contention. Washington’s coach Spencer Carbery pointed to the team’s “massive mistakes” as a recurring issue that needs addressing.
For Montreal, the win represents a positive start following the All-Star break and the trade of a key player. The team’s resilience and strategic execution on both ends of the ice highlight their potential for growth and competitiveness in the remaining games.
As both teams look ahead, the Canadiens will aim to build on this victory and continue their ascent in the standings, while the Capitals must address their current slump and find ways to reignite their offense and solidify their defense.
