The Stanley Cup Playoffs feature some of the greatest cinema you'll find in any genre, whether it be sports, film, or theatre. Every game doesn't have the same drama as Game 3 of this series, but when it does, it feels like one of the greatest things you've ever seen. The sports version of Broadway is the Bell Centre, and it was the host of one of the best NHL games we've seen in years on Friday night.
Let's do a quick recap of what happened in Game 3 between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals. It started with a bunch of massive hits and exciting goals in the first period, but the drama that unfolded once the second period began was a sight to behold.
The second period ended with a fight between Tom Wilson and Josh Anderson on the bench, shortly after Sam Montembeault left the game with an injury. The teams returned for the third period, and Alex Ovechkin tied the game before the Canadiens scored three unanswered goals to win 6-3. In the middle of all those goals, we had Logan Thompson leave with an injury, several scrums, and even more dangerous hits.
poor ref lol pic.twitter.com/p8REsAqcuz
— Tommy (@tommykippes2) April 26, 2025
It might not have seemed as exciting if it wasn't set in the Bell Centre, as the crowd kept the momentum going all night long. There were some thunderous roars and it's hard to ignore that the home crowd played a part in Montreal grabbing the lead on multiple occasions and escaping the game with a 2-1 series deficit.
It's the type of game that can turn a series around, and Montreal now looks poised to give Washington a run for their money in Game 4 and even the series. The status of both of their starting goaltenders looms large, but fans won't spend tonight dwelling on that.
That game in Montreal looks like about as much fun as a home crowd can have at a hockey game. Incredible energy, what a show.
— Justin Bourne (@jtbourne) April 26, 2025
Games like these are why the front office and fans wanted the team to be "in the mix" this season. More lessons were learned in this game for the young Habs than ever before, and the passed the test with flying colors. If Montreal rallies to win this series, this game will be one of the most memorable nights Canadiens fans have seen in their home rink in quite some time.