Montreal Canadiens left wing Rene Bourque (17), Canadiens right wing Brian Gionta (21), Washington Capitals right wing Joel Ward (42), and Capitals left wing Jason Chimera (25) battle for the puck in the first period at Verizon Center.

Washington Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) prepares to make a save on Montreal Canadiens left wing Rene Bourque (17) in the first period at Verizon Center.

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) blocks a shot by Washington Capitals left wing Jason Chimera (25) in the first period.

Montreal Canadiens right wing Brandon Prust (8) fights with Washington Capitals center Matt Hendricks (26) in the third period at Verizon Center.

Montreal Canadiens right wing Brandon Prust (8) fights with Washington Capitals center Matt Hendricks (26) in the third period at Verizon Center.

Washington Capitals defenseman Roman Hamrlik (44) skates with the puck as Montreal Canadiens right wing Erik Cole (72) in the second period at Verizon Center.

Montreal Canadiens right wing Erik Cole (72) checks Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green (52) in the second period at Verizon Center.

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) and Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) battle for the puck in front of Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) in the second period at Verizon Center.

Washington Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) reacts after being scored on by Montreal Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec (14) in the second period at Verizon Center.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov (79) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal againstWashington Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) in the second period at Verizon Center.