Capitals Overcome Canadiens

The Washington Capitals got back to winning ways on Day 97 in a 2-1 victory over the Montrel Canadiens. The victory moves Washington to 17-24-7.

Anson Carter got things going for Washington in a closely played first period. The goal came at 15:04 on the power play from Cory Sarich and Jonathan Cheechoo. Montreal's Michalek was in the box for charging at the time of the goal.

The game opened up in the second period, and it was one-way traffic at the Washington net. Montreal fired 17 shots on goal in the period, but Stuart's equalizer from Briere and Samsonov at 4:14 was the only tally. The Capitals managed just four shots in the second, after earning only three in the first 20 minutes.

Washington turned things around in the final period, and peppered the Montreal goal with 15 shots. Frantisek Lukes made the offense pay when he scored the winning goal from Patrick Marleau and Mikael Renberg at 9:37.

Peter Skudra made 26 saves to earn the victory and first star honors for Washington. He improves to 3-3-3 with the win. Martin Brodeur stopped 20 shots in the loss for Montreal.

The Capitals return to action on Day 98 against the New York Rangers.