Canadiens @ Capitals Top Six Minutes: Habs get schooled in The District

For our new readers and members, the Top Six Minutes is a continuation of the discussion in the game thread. We try to keep it light and entertaining. Full recaps are up the morning after every game.

Pre-game

• The Capitals have lost their first two games. May as well make it three.
• Ok, Montembeault. New season. You’re up!

First period

• Suzuki to Caufield to Anderson to... Kuemper. You’re no fun, Darcy.
• I’m feeling this line tonight. Hopefully Kuemper isn’t.
• Slaf inches closer to notching his first NHL goal.
• A lot of speed from both sides for the first half of the period. Once the goals start coming this could get interesting.
• Dach draws a penalty and off we go to the first power play of the night. Time to break that 0-7 record.
• They managed to get three shots off but the record continues.
• Ovi taps the puck in immediately after the power play ends.
• Offside challenge! Please no Ovi goal. Please no Ovi goal. Please no Ovi goal.
• No Ovi goal! We’re back to even steven.

Second period

• Suzuki battles for the puck behind the net, swoops in and tucks the puck in for one slick wraparound! I told you I was feeling this line tonight.
• Xhekaj picks up his first NHL point with an assist. Hat tip to the Sheriff.
• It feels like Anderson has been on the ice since the first puck drop. I’m cool with that.
• Caufield gets tripped and we get another chance at the power play.
• Not that it matters.
• Nice save, Monty!
• Sheary ties it up.
• Then Mantha follows up to take the lead.
• Then Oshie makes it 3-0 while Hoffman watches from the box.
• Remember when I said once the goals start coming this could get interesting? I meant only if it leaned more in our favour.

Third period

• Oshie rings the puck off the post. No. Three is enough.
• Anderson rips one wide. I’m feeling an Anderson goal tonight.
• Down by two, I’d be happy with anyone getting a few past Kuemper right now. But a Powerhorse goal would be swell.
• Another chance at the power play. Third... well, tenth... time’s a charm?
• Habs are outshooting the Caps 8-2 with five minutes left. If only they could find the back of the net.
• Guhle pins Mantha to the boards and gets an elbow to the face in the process. Cue fight.
• Monty heads to the bench. This did not work for us last night...
• Ovi empty-netter? Nope, off the goalpost! You’re not losing your touch, are you Alex?
• Habs walk away with another loss but a good effort was made.

EOTP 3 Stars

3) Just one of the questionable power-play decisions

2) The rookies are making strong impressions for sure

1) He’ll understand when you’re free all summer!