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There is nothing like the intensity of the Stanley Cup final game, but the competition’s warm spilled over in a fight between Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens Friday night to the point where the players fought on the bench.
The period was completed in Game 3 of this first round series, with the capitals up 2-0. Capitals star Tom Wilson, known for being a defense as much as an offensive threat, and Canadiens’ Josh Anderson jawed back and forth as they walked toward the dressing room.
Things escalated quite quickly as they began to fight on the capitals’ bench while a lineman tried to get in between them. But it was of no use when the referee was only caught in the fight and pushed himself down the bench and they eventually fell on the floor.
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A judge (55) tries to separate Montreal Canadiens ‘Josh Anderson (17) and Washington Capitals’ Tom Wilson, front to the left as they fight after the second period in Game 3 in a first round of NHL Hockey Playoff Series in Montreal, Friday 25 April 2025. (Christinne Muschi/the Canadian press via AP)
Other players began to get involved and go after each other as Wilson and Anderson continued to fight, including Washington’s Lars or Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj.
“I was on my way to walking over the ice … Then I had to turn my course and go back because there were two large individuals coming through the door that I tried to leave,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said of the change after 6-3 loss to Canadiens.
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“It was only two competitive teams, two competitive guys who went on it.”
“Things escalated, got out of control there,” Anderson added. “At the end of the day you just try to keep up for your teammates.”
Tussels between Montreal Canadiens Frem Brendan Gallagher (11) and Washington Capitals Spider Tom Wilson (43) and Frem Pierre-Luc Dubois (80) and Montreal Canadien’s spikes Cole Caufield (13) during the second period in match three of the first round of 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Bell Center. (Eric Bolt-Preferred Pictures)
Wilson, who received a 10-minute game behavior and a gross minor, the same discipline as Anderson, was seen mocking at Canadiens after the match was eventually broken up.
Canadiens led after the second period 3-2, and they did not look back to gather their much needed first win in the best-of-seven series Friday night.
Excitement was felt at the Bell Center Ice before Puck Drop as Wilson and Xhekaj exchanged some words during warm -ups that started making its rounds on social media.
Again, these are two players who are not only known for sticking to teammates, but also rhythm the opponents’ feathers when they can.
Montreal Canadiens’ Josh Anderson (17) falls into the Washington Capitals’ bench as he struggles with Capitals’ Tom Wilson (43) after the second period in Game 3 in a first round of NHL Hockey Playoff Series in Montreal, Friday 25 April 2025. (Christinne Muschi/the Canadian press via AP)
We might see more fireworks between these two troops as Game 4 on Sunday looks Montreal looking for it, while Washington hopes to have a commanding lead with the second round in mind.
