Game 3 between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals was already full of energy, but things really exploded after the second period ended. In front of a packed crowd at the Bell Centre, what started as small bumps turned into a full-on fight between the two teams.
How the Fight Started
As the players were leaving the ice for the dressing rooms after the second-period horn, small shoves and bumps between players from both sides quickly escalated. It all blew up when Capitals right winger Tom Wilson found himself face-to-face with Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj in a growing crowd.
Before things got even worse, Josh Anderson from Montreal pulled Wilson away. However, the two players kept pushing and throwing punches, eventually falling into the Capitals’ bench! Even though a linesman tried hard to separate them, they kept fighting for a few moments more.
Penalties Handed Out
Both Tom Wilson and Josh Anderson were given two-minute minor penalties for roughing and 10-minute misconducts for their roles in the chaos. Meanwhile, Arber Xhekaj and Lars Eller also received two-minute minors for roughing.
It’s clear that tensions had been rising throughout the game. Earlier during warmups, Xhekaj and Wilson were already exchanging words at the red line, setting the stage for what was to come. This game was extra special for Xhekaj, as it marked his first career playoff game.
A High-Energy Game Full of Scrums
Throughout the match, every break in play saw small scrums, bumps, and shoves as both teams tried to get under each other’s skin. The atmosphere was electric, especially for Montreal fans, who were enjoying their team’s first home playoff game in years.
Adding even more excitement, Cole Caufield scored a huge goal for Montreal with just under nine seconds left in the second period. His goal gave the Canadiens a 3-2 lead going into the third period, bringing the crowd to its feet and pushing emotions even higher.
What’s at Stake
Montreal is fighting hard for their first win of these playoffs, and the intensity of this game shows just how much both teams want the victory. With tempers flaring and the energy at its peak, the third period promises to be just as fiery. Fans can expect even more drama as the Canadiens try to hold onto their lead and keep their playoff hopes alive.
