Capitals-Canadiens: Wasted points for Montreal.

The Montreal Canadiens did everything in order to win their match with the Washington Capitals except winning. After wasting numerous chances, Montreal saw Michael Nylander score the game-winner late into the third period to give a 2-1 victory to the Caps.

Yes, the Canadiens did everything but win. The Capitals have sent Simeon Varlamov in their net for his very first NHL game in career. The young goaltender did well at his first outing and was helped a number of times by his posts. The Canadiens forwards, especially Alex Kovalev and Alex Tanguay missed a number of glorious chances to put the game away.

In net for a third game in a row for Montreal, Jaroslav Halak was very good yesterday but more importantly, he gave his team a genuine chance to win. Halak is not to blame on the winning goal by Michael Nylander. His little shot from behind the goal line was swift, surprised everybody as the Capitals player didn't looked to be able to send the puck to the net. And the shot bounced off the goalie to enter the net.

Once again, Montreal's man-advantage wasn't able to put Montreal ahead during the second and third period. The team did respond and played well after head coach Guy Carbonneau sent his fourth line on a man-advantage. With this decision, Carbonneau's message to his top players was clear but nobody answered the call.

(Picture: Capitals' bench, Getty images.)