Jared Bednar's position as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche seems precarious, with rumors suggesting management may have considered a coaching change, though no serious action was taken. The Avalanche's decision to trade Mikko Rantanen could haunt them, as he now has a long-term extension with another team, potentially impacting their chances in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals are eyeing their assistant coaches, Mitch Love and Kirk Muller, who might receive interest for head coaching roles after the season. The Montreal Canadiens face significant challenges, particularly with their penalty kill and the need for a second-line center as key players exit. Names like John Tavares and Matt Duchene are mentioned as potential short-term fixes while waiting for younger prospects to develop.

Christian Dvorak's crucial goal in the third period propelled the Montreal Canadiens to a 6-3 victory over the Washington Capitals, narrowing their first-round playoff series deficit to 2-1. Dvorak's shot deflected off Brandon Duhaime, leaving Capitals goalie Logan Thompson unable to stop it. Juraj Slafkovsky scored shortly after, increasing the lead to two goals. Thompson's situation now casts doubt on his availability for the next game, as he departed favoring his left leg. Montreal's net was further compromised as starting goalie Sam Montembeault exited due to a lower-body injury.

The Canadiens' scoring was bolstered by contributions from Alexandre Carrier, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Alex Newhook. Montembeault saved 11 of 13 shots before Jakub Dobes took over and managed seven saves on eight attempts. For the Capitals, Alex Ovechkin, Connor McMichael, and Jakob Chychrun each found the back of the net, with Ovechkin tying the game at three early in the third period before Montreal surged ahead.

Cole Caufield's impressive performance, with a goal and an assist, propelled the Montreal Canadiens to a commanding 6-3 victory over the Washington Capitals in Game 3 of their playoff series. The Canadiens cut Washington's series lead to 2-1, showcasing a dynamic offensive display with contributions from Christian Dvorak, Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Alex Newhook.

Both teams saw their starting goalies exit due to injuries, adding to the chaos of the match that included a bench-clearing brawl. The Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, Connor McMichael, and Jakob Chychrun were unable to overcome the Canadiens' momentum as they rallied in front of a sold-out Bell Centre crowd, marking their first playoff game with full capacity since 2017. With the series shifting back to Montreal for Game 4, anticipation builds for another electrifying encounter.

Connor McMichael and Dylan Strome propelled the Washington Capitals to a decisive 3-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead in their playoff series. Capitalizing on strong performances, McMichael scored two goals, including one into an empty net, while Strome contributed with a key goal to swing momentum in the second period.

Logan Thompson shone as the Capitals' goaltender, making 25 saves and crucial stops in the third period to deny the Canadiens any chance of a comeback, especially during a critical 2-on-0 breakaway. The Capitals showcased their offensive prowess, outshooting Montreal significantly, and controlled the game, reflecting their status as a top contender this season. With Game 3 set for Friday in Montreal, the atmosphere promises to be electric as fans return to the Bell Centre.

Logan Thompson's recent performance has firmly established him as the backbone of the Washington Capitals during their playoff run, particularly highlighted by a stellar third period in Game 2 against the Montreal Canadiens. Thompson's saves reinvigorated the crowd and showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, reflecting a deeper understanding of playoff hockey.

Despite a close call that he humorously downplayed—a supposed save that actually hit the post—his overall performance was impeccable. Coach Spencer Carbery praised Thompson for his critical saves that preserved the Capitals' lead, further solidifying his role after recovering from an injury. The Capitals now hold a commanding two-game lead in the series, largely due to Thompson's resilience and skill in goal.