3 least impressive Montreal Canadiens players from 8-4 shellacking by Washington Capitals ft. Samuel Montembeault

The Montreal Canadiens were on the wrong end of an 8-4 shellacking at the hands of the Washington Capitals on Thursday night at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens were in the game until late in the third. Then, the Capitals pulled away with three straight goals to leave the Habs gasping for breath.

Alex Ovechkin notched a hat trick, with Ethen Frank and Sonny Milano scoring twice for the Capitals. Jakob Chychrun got the other tally for Washington. Meanwhile, Brendan Gallagher and Joe Veleno got their first goals of the season for the Montreal Canadiens. Nick Suzuki and Matheson got the other tallies.

So, here’s a look at the three least impressive Montreal Canadiens players from their Thursday night loss to the Washington Capitals

3 least impressive Montreal Canadiens players from loss to Washington Capitals

#3 Juraj Slafkovsky

The Montreal Canadiens' former first-overall pick had a tough game against the Capitals. He hit the ice for over 15 minutes across 16 shifts. However, he failed to generate much offense. He had two shots on goal, but was on the ice for three of Washington’s goals.

Slafkovsky’s lack of offensive punch has shoved him down the Canadiens’ depth chart. He’s gone goalless in his last eight games, totaling nine points in 19 games this season.

#2 Oliver Kapanen

Oliver Kapanen has struggled to maintain the hot streak he had earlier this season. On Thursday night, he skated for just 12:27 across 16 shifts. He got one shot on goal, but did not manage much more.

Defensively, he had a relatively pedestrian game, being on the ice for just one of the Capitals’ goals. However, Kapanen continues to slide down the depth chart as the Montreal Canadiens struggle to find consistency at center amid injuries.

#1 Samuel Montembeault

Samuel Montembeault continues to struggle for the Canadiens. On Thursday night, he surrendered three goals and 10 shots, getting the hook early in the second period. The goals, particularly Ovechkin’s first of the night, were ones Montembeault would have liked to get back.

The Canadiens' goalie has lost his grip on the starting role, gradually ceding his spot to Jakub Dobes. However, it’s worth pointing out that Dobes didn’t fare any better on the night. He gave up four goals and 25 shots, including two in the final minutes of the third period.

The Canadiens will look to rebound against their archrivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, on Saturday night at the Bell Centre.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan