Here is a breakdown of which team held the lead most for stretches of time during the four regular season games player. Surprisingly, the Canadiens more than held their own against the powerful Capitals

For further info, refer to these NHL.com Game and Event Summary sheets at this link.

Game by game lead changes and leading time after the jump.

Game 1 November 20, 2009 Montreal 3 Washington 2

Even Score 11:52

Washington Lead Time 12:07

Even Score 2:47

Montreal Lead Time 33:13

Game Totals ES: 14:39 WLT: 12:07 MLT 33:14 

Game 2 November 28, 2009 Washington 4 Montreal 3 (SO)

Even Score 8:47

Washington Lead Time 25:03

Even Score 11:44

Montreal Lead Time 14:14

Even Score 5:12

Game Totals ES: 25:43 WLT: 25:03 MLT 14:14

Game 3 January 5, 2010 Washington 4 Montreal 2

Even Score 25:14

Washington Lead Time 8:49

Even Score 1:42

Washington Lead Time 24:15

Game Totals ES: 26:56 WLT: 33:04 MLT 00:00

Game 4 February 10, 2010 Montreal 6 Washington 5 (OT)

Even Score 00:36

Montreal Lead Time 5:47

Even Score 14:18

Montreal Lead Time 00:30

Even Score 11:34

Montreal Lead Time 26:56

Even Score 5:11

Game Totals ES: 31:39 WLT: 00:00 MLT 33:13

In four games, two going into overtime, the teams played 239 minutes and 52 seconds of hockey. For 98:57 in those games, the score was tied (or scoreless for 46:29 of it). The Canadiens held the lead for 80:41 in those games, the Capitals for 70:14.

In percentage of play approximations, this means that the Canadiens were even or played with the lead against Washington close 75% of the time (179:31 of 239:52). Conversely, the Capitals held the lead or were even with Montreal for approximately 71% of play time. In lead time percentage approximations, Montreal held a 33% to 26% edge.