The Montreal Canadiens experienced a heartbreaking defeat on Tuesday night, surrendering a two-goal lead in the third period before falling 3-2 in overtime to the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. The loss on January 13, 2026, highlighted a recurring theme for the Habs, who have struggled to solve their Washington rivals.
A Tale of Two Perspectives
As is often the case in sports, the game offered both encouraging signs and frustrating setbacks for Montreal. The team entered the contest on the second night of a back-to-back, having arrived at their Washington hotel in the early hours of the morning following a win over Vancouver. Despite the fatigue, they controlled much of the play for two periods, building a 2-0 lead.
Josh Anderson, returning from an upper-body injury, opened the scoring with a short-handed goal—his tenth of the season. Brendan Gallagher, in a welcome offensive contribution, doubled the lead in the second period for just his fourth goal of the campaign. Goaltender Samuel Montembeault was stellar, turning aside 39 of 42 shots and looking poised throughout the night.
The Third Period Collapse and OT Heartbreak
The game's complexion changed dramatically in the final frame. The Capitals, led by Ethen Frank who scored twice, finally solved Montembeault, capitalizing on deflections and sustained pressure. Montreal's fatigue seemed to manifest in puck management issues, as noted by players post-game.
The Canadiens had a golden opportunity to seal the victory with a 64-second two-man advantage bridging the second and third periods but failed to convert. Their power play finished the night 0-for-4. After Frank's goals tied the game, the contest proceeded to overtime where Washington dominated, firing ten shots. A Nick Suzuki tripping penalty gave the Capitals extended time, and Connor McMichael finally ended it, securing the extra point for Washington.
Key Takeaways and Player Performances
Beyond the scoreline, several individual performances stood out. Montembeault's .929 save percentage reinforced his solid form since returning from the AHL. Anderson's impactful return provided a spark, while Gallagher's goal was a positive sign. On the defensive side, the team blocked shots effectively, with Justin Carrier leading the way with five.
The game also featured a notable fight, as Arber Xhekaj took on Washington's Dylan McIlrath after a heavy hit on Jayden Struble. While Xhekaj received a misconduct, the move was seen as a necessary show of team solidarity.
Ultimately, the narrative remained familiar for Montreal against Washington. As Josh Anderson summarized to reporters, "They find ways to win against us." The Canadiens collected a single point from a game they led for over 45 minutes, a result that felt like a missed opportunity in their push for the postseason.
