Capitals-Canadiens Game 1 Recap: Washington Takes 1-0 Series Lead with 3-2 OT Victory

Apr 21, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens in the first period in game one of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Plus: This was a pretty complete ~~game~~ first 50 minutes from the Washington Capitals, especially considering how poorly they finished the regular season. Logan Thompson looked excellent in his return to the lineup, the Caps arrived on time and came in hot out of the gate, and all four lines were vibing.

Minus: The Caps were in control for most of this game, and then Cole Caufield got the Montreal Canadiens on the board with a power play tally after a weak tripping call on Pierre-Luc Dubois. Then things unraveled and the Habs forced overtime.

Our Three Stars: