Alex Tuch Scores Twice as Capitals Outlast Canadiens 5-4 in Wild Back-and-Forth Battle
By Brian Hradsky
Maryland Sports Blog | October 15, 2026
WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 Wednesday night at Capital One Arena, snapping a two-game losing streak behind a three-point performance from Alex Tuch. Washington overcame multiple Montreal leads before taking control in the third period, with Justin Holl scoring the go-ahead goal and Tuch adding a crucial insurance tally. The victory improved the Capitals to 4-3-0 through their first seven games of the season, providing a much-needed response following Tuesday’s 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Tuch continued his impressive start in Washington with two goals and an assist, giving him five goals and six points through seven games. Jordan Kyrou contributed a goal and an assist, while Ilya Protas recorded two helpers in the victory. Charlie Lindgren made 26 saves against his former team as the Capitals overcame Montreal’s 30-23 advantage in shots on goal.
Capitals and Canadiens Trade Goals in Opening Period
Montreal struck first just 4:29 into the opening period when Josh Anderson converted a pass from Alex Newhook to give the Canadiens a 1-0 advantage. The goal came after Washington committed a defensive-zone turnover, allowing Montreal to capitalize on an early mistake. Anderson’s finish immediately put pressure on the Capitals, who were looking to avoid their third consecutive defeat.
Washington responded at 7:56 when Kyrou scored his second goal of the season, tying the game at one. Cole Hutson and Tuch collected assists on the play as Kyrou created space and beat Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes. The goal provided an important response for Washington after its sluggish opening minutes and prevented Montreal from building early momentum.
The Canadiens regained the lead at 11:15 when defenseman Lane Hutson scored his second goal of the season, beating Lindgren from the slot. The matchup carried additional significance because Lane was facing his younger brother, Capitals defenseman Cole Hutson, for the first time in their hockey careers. Montreal appeared positioned to take a 2-1 lead into the intermission before Washington capitalized on a late power play.
Ivan Miroshnichenko tied the game with just 26 seconds remaining in the opening period, scoring his first goal of the season at 19:34. Protas and Kyrou earned assists as Washington converted its man advantage to erase another deficit. The teams entered the first intermission tied 2-2 after combining for four goals on 16 shots.
Tuch Delivers Shorthanded Goal in Second Period
Washington grabbed its first lead at 6:16 of the second period when Tuch scored an unassisted shorthanded goal. The veteran forward took advantage of Montreal’s power-play opportunity to put the Capitals ahead 3-2, providing one of the game’s biggest momentum swings. His fourth goal of the season demonstrated the offensive impact he can provide even when Washington is playing a man down.
Montreal answered at 12:58 when Anderson scored his second goal of the evening, again receiving an assist from Newhook. The equalizer came during a period in which the Canadiens controlled much of the offensive pressure and outshot Washington 13-5. Lindgren helped keep the Capitals even despite the significant shot differential, allowing Washington to enter the final period tied 3-3.
The second period highlighted both the Capitals’ offensive potential and their defensive inconsistencies. Washington managed only five shots on goal during the middle frame but still generated a shorthanded goal to briefly take control. Montreal repeatedly found opportunities around the Washington net, creating a difficult assignment for Lindgren and the Capitals’ defensive unit.
Holl and Tuch Take Control in Third Period
With the game tied 3-3 midway through the third period, Washington finally broke through at 12:29 when Holl fired a wrist shot from the right point through traffic. The puck found its way past Dobes, giving the Capitals a 4-3 lead with 7:31 remaining in regulation. Protas and Alex Ovechkin earned assists on the play, with Ovechkin recording his 760th career assist to move within two of Nicklas Backstrom’s franchise record of 762.
Tuch extended Washington’s advantage to 5-3 at 17:05 when he scored his second goal of the evening on a spinning shot from the right faceoff circle. The unassisted tally gave the Capitals a two-goal cushion with fewer than three minutes remaining and appeared to put the game out of Montreal’s reach. Tuch’s fifth goal of the season ultimately proved to be the game-winner, completing an outstanding individual performance.
Montreal refused to go away quietly, pulling Dobes for an extra attacker while operating on a late power play. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki scored at 18:21, cutting Washington’s lead to 5-4 with 1:39 remaining in regulation. The Capitals survived the final push and protected their one-goal advantage to secure their fourth victory of the season.
Ovechkin Approaches Another Franchise Milestone
Although Ovechkin did not score, the Capitals captain continued moving toward another significant franchise record with his third-period assist. His 760 career assists put him just two behind Backstrom’s Washington record, adding another milestone to an already historic career. The assist also helped produce the decisive go-ahead goal, demonstrating Ovechkin’s ability to influence games beyond his scoring production.
Washington also received contributions from several players throughout the lineup, an encouraging development after consecutive losses. Kyrou played a role in two first-period goals, Protas assisted on two important scoring plays, and Holl provided the third-period breakthrough. Tuch supplied the finishing touch with his second goal, giving the Capitals the offensive balance they needed to overcome Montreal.
Capitals Overcome Shot Disadvantage
Montreal finished with a 30-23 advantage in shots on goal, but Washington made its scoring opportunities count. The Capitals converted one of four power-play chances and added a shorthanded goal, while the Canadiens finished one-for-two on the power play. Washington also won 57.4% of the faceoffs and blocked 17 shots, helping offset Montreal’s advantage in offensive pressure.
Lindgren finished with 26 saves on 30 shots, while Dobes stopped 18 of Washington’s 23 attempts. Neither team consistently controlled the contest until the Capitals produced a strong third period, outscoring Montreal 2-1 during the final 20 minutes. Washington’s ability to recover from defensive mistakes and respond to Montreal’s goals ultimately separated the teams.
Capitals Return Home Against New Jersey
The Capitals will look to build on Wednesday’s victory when they host the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, October 17. Washington enters that matchup with a 4-3-0 record and an opportunity to establish momentum following an inconsistent opening stretch. Montreal, meanwhile, falls to 3-3-1 and returns home to face the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.
MSB Take
Wednesday’s victory was not perfect, but it was exactly the kind of response Washington needed after losing two consecutive games. Tuch is already showing why he can be such an important addition to the Capitals, contributing offensively while providing the size, energy and versatility that make him dangerous in different situations. His shorthanded goal was particularly impressive, and his late insurance tally proved essential when Montreal scored during its final push.
The biggest concern remains Washington’s defensive consistency, particularly after allowing four goals and surrendering 30 shots. The Capitals cannot expect to win every night by trading scoring chances and relying on late offensive production, especially against stronger opponents. However, their third-period response demonstrated resilience, and the contributions from Kyrou, Protas and Holl provide reasons for optimism as Washington continues working toward a more complete game.
Final Score: Washington Capitals 5, Montreal Canadiens 4
Sources: NHL.com official game recap and box score, NHL official game summary, ESPN game coverage, Reuters and Associated Press.
