Finishing woes continue to haunt Canadiens in Game 2 loss

The Montreal Canadiens dropped Game 2 of their first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals, falling 3–1 and trailing two games to none in the series. Once again, a familiar issue reared its head: the inability to finish. Despite generating opportunities, the Canadiens couldn't convert, and a determined late push ultimately came up empty.

Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson was a major difference-maker, stopping 25 of 26 shots, including 14 in the third period alone. But the Canadiens also squandered some golden chances. Jake Evans' missed shot into a wide-open net, clanging off the post late in the third, summed up Montreal’s night: close, but not close enough.

Canadiens waste another strong third period

After another sluggish start, the Canadiens opened the scoring in the second period on a goal by Christian Dvorak. The Habs only managed four shots in the first, but Sam Montembeault stood tall to keep the game scoreless early.

Once again, Montreal played to their usual script by entering the third period trailing. Unlike Game 1, there was no equalizer this time, though not for lack of effort. The Canadiens dominated the final frame territorially and in shot volume but failed to break through.

Logan Thompson was sensational, particularly in the third, as the Canadiens hemmed the Capitals in their zone for extended stretches. At times, Thompson’s composure and rebound control were shaky, but Montreal failed to capitalize on second chances. Evans’ miss on a point-blank opportunity highlighted how razor-thin the margins can be and how their inability to finish chances has haunted the Canadiens all season.

Much of the early series discourse has focused on physicality, or Montreal’s perceived lack of it, along with Arber Xhekaj’s absence from the lineup. But after Game 2, the spotlight has shifted. The Canadiens aren’t losing because they’re getting pushed around—they’re losing because they can’t finish.

Thompson the difference but the Canadiens beat themselves

Thompson may have stolen the game, but Montreal didn’t do themselves any favors. He left rebounds all night, but the Canadiens were consistently outworked around the crease. They failed to collect loose pucks, get inside position, or generate high-danger second chances.

The formula for beating Thompson isn’t a secret: get bodies to the net, win battles in front, and convert on second efforts. Knowing how to beat a goaltender is one thing; actually doing it is another.

It would be easy to chalk up Game 2’s loss to bad luck. But after 84 games, that excuse no longer holds. This is who the Canadiens are, and these are their struggles, unless they prove otherwise.

Montreal must do more than play desperate third periods to get back in this series. They need 60 whole minutes. More importantly, they must start winning the net-front battles, pouncing on rebounds, and burying their chances. A difference must be seen in Game 3, or the Canadiens' run in the postseason could be short-lived.