Josh Anderson, Tom Wilson Receive Maximum Fine For Bench Brawl
Josh Anderson and Tom Wilson Fined for Brawl in Canadiens-Capitals Game 3.
Tensions flared immediately in Game 3 between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals, erupting into an old-school playoff battle at the Bell Centre. Even before the opening faceoff, Arber Xhekaj and Tom Wilson exchanged words, setting the stage for a night of chaos.
By the end of the second period, Wilson and Josh Anderson dropped the gloves in a fight that spilled into the Capitals’ bench and took a while to get under control.
On Saturday, the NHL fined both players $5,000—a small price to pay for the Canadiens, who rode the physical momentum to a pivotal 6-3 victory, narrowing Washington’s series lead to 2-1.
For Montreal, the fines and penalties may have been worth it. With Xhekaj and Anderson setting a fearless tone, the team looked tougher and more energized. Anderson, who delivered six crushing hits and fearlessly fought Wilson, summed up the night:
“We’ve been waiting a long time for this. Our fanbase has been waiting. Us players have been waiting. It’s been a few tough years.”
His intensity, combined with Xhekaj’s playoff debut, galvanized the Habs. Xhekaj, inserted into the lineup for his first postseason game, embraced his role, crediting Anderson’s leadership:
“He’s going every night, so it’s whether we want to follow him or not. Tonight, we hopped on his train.”
Captain Nick Suzuki praised Xhekaj as “a presence out there,” while Anderson added, “He’s huge for us—physical, simple, and the guys loved having him.”
Xhekaj himself admitted, “My heart was beating out of my chest before the game even started. I’ve never experienced anything like that.”
No Suspensions Issued
Despite the fiery second-period brawl, the Sportsnet panel didn’t expect suspensions. The scrap, while intense, didn’t involve officials or players jumping off the bench mid-play. Instead, it was the culmination of a punishing first 40 minutes, with Montreal dominating physically—out-hitting Washington 46-26 and outshooting them 81-45.
Goalie Injuries Add to the Chaos
The game took another wild turn when Capitals netminder Logan Thompson was injured in a collision after Montreal’s fifth goal. Dylan Strome accidentally crashed into him, leaving Thompson unable to put weight on his leg as he was helped off.
Montreal’s Sam Montembeault also exited with an undisclosed injury, though he left under his own power during a commercial break. His status remains unclear.
With the series now within reach, the Canadiens’ physical play and offensive surge have reignited their hopes—and their identity as a team that won’t back down.
Image - Eric Bolte-Imagn
