Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and former NHL defenseman Kevin Bieksa believe Arber Xhekaj had a major role in brewing the chaos. Speaking on the Sportsnet broadcast of Game 3, Friedman pointed to the Canadiens’ more aggressive style as a direct result of Xhekaj’s return to the lineup in his postseason debut.

See an updated list of injuries, with active and inactive players for the Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens NHL NHL Playoffs First Round Game

If the answer is “no,” that’s OK. Montreal nearly backed its way into the playoffs and the Washington Capitals hit a rough patch of their own. Still, this matchup brings a whole bunch of juice — the most prolific goal scorer of all time, the East’s top team and the return of postseason hockey to one of the sport’s true epicenters.