“`html
Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael scored with just 39 seconds remaining in overtime, handing the Montreal Canadiens a 3-2 defeat on Tuesday night. The loss stings for Montreal, who are navigating a tight race in the Atlantic Division.
Canadiens Squander Lead, Face Sabres Test
Montreal looks to rebound after a late collapse against Washington.
- The Canadiens have earned points in five of their last six games.
- A two-goal lead evaporated in the third period against the Capitals.
- buffalo has won 14 of its last 16 games and is closing in on Montreal in the standings.
- Josh Anderson returned to the Canadiens lineup after a six-game absence due to injury.
The Canadiens took a commanding 2-0 lead into the second intermission at Capital One Arena. However, Washington’s Ethen Frank ignited a comeback, scoring twice in the third period – the second goal arriving with only 1:54 left on the clock to tie the game. McMichael then completed the rally for the Capitals in the extra frame.
“Anytime you’re up two goals going into the third,you should be able to win that hockey game,” a frustrated Brendan Gallagher,a Montreal forward,said after the contest.
Despite the setback, the Canadiens remain in third place in the Atlantic Division, but the margin is razor-thin. Only two points separate the top three teams, making every point crucial.
“it’s always disa
ppointing to lose a game like that, but we need to put it behind us quickly and focus on the next one,” canadiens coach Martin St. Louis stated.
Buffalo’s Momentum
The Canadiens will now turn their attention to a challenging matchup against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. Buffalo is riding a wave of success, having won 14 of their last 16 games and rapidly gaining ground in the Atlantic Division standings.
Buffalo’s recent surge has been fueled by strong offensive performances and improved goaltending. They are averaging 3.5 goals per game during their winning streak.
The Sabres are coming off a convincing 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday,a game highlighted by remarkable offensive efficiency.
Buffalo’s offensive outburst against the Flyers was remarkably efficient, scoring five goals on just 14 shots – their highest shooting percentage in a single game as 1988.
Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin led the charge with two power-play goals, becoming the first buffalo blueliner to achieve that feat since Rasmus Ristolainen on december 10, 2015.
“Being a shoot-first guy tonight helped,” Sabres forward Josh Doan said of Dahlin, the team captain.
Though, the Sabres suffered a blow with forward Josh Norris leaving the game in the second period with
