Capitals edge Canadiens on Tuch’s three-point night – Metropolitan Division roundup

The Washington Capitals used their lone game on the Metropolitan Division schedule to gain ground in the standings, while Philadelphia and Columbus were in the spotlight for less positive reasons. As a quick reminder, the Canadiens recalled defenceman David Reinbacher from the Laval Rocket yesterday, a move we’ve already covered in detail on our site.

Capitals: Tuch drives 5–4 win over Canadiens

Washington picked up a 5–4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, giving the Capitals 8 points in 7 games (4-3-0) and firming up their hold on 3rd place in the Metropolitan. According to Sportsnet, Alex Tuch led the way offensively with two goals and one assist in the win.

On the other side, Sportsnet notes that Montreal goalie Jakub Dobes struggled, allowing five goals and admitting afterward that he needs to be better. La Presse points out that the first regular-season matchup between brothers Lane and Cole Hutson went in Cole’s favour, even though Lane scored a highlight-reel goal by cutting through the Capitals’ defence, as described by Sportsnet.

Blue Jackets: maximum fine for Mathieu Olivier

In Columbus, it’s discipline rather than standings talk – the Blue Jackets sit 7th in the division with 4 points in 5 games (2-3-0). Daily Faceoff reports that forward Mathieu Olivier was fined US$5,000 for slashing Florida Panthers defenceman Uvis Balinskis, the maximum allowed under the NHL’s CBA.

Flyers: eight-game winless skid despite improved effort

Things remain difficult in Philadelphia. The Hockey News reports that the Flyers’ winless drought has reached eight games after a 3–2 shootout loss to the Seattle Kraken. The club is now 0-5-3 and still last in the Metropolitan with 3 points in 8 outings.

Despite the result, The Hockey News highlights a rejuvenated offensive push and stronger energy in that game, calling it the closest the Flyers have come to the style they want to play. Separately, The Hockey Writers notes that the Flyers are taking calls on players, though no trades have been announced.

Rangers, Penguins and other Metropolitan notes

Near the top of the table, the New York Rangers (2nd with 12 points in 8 games, 6-2-0) continue to earn praise. The Hockey News lists them among the fastest-rising teams in its latest NHL power rankings. In Pittsburgh, Daily Faceoff points out that Connor Bedard’s season debut helped Chicago hand the Penguins a 5–3 loss, leaving Pittsburgh 4th in the division with 7 points in 7 games.

There are no fresh headlines directly involving the Hurricanes, Islanders, or Devils, although all three remain in the early mix behind first-place Carolina and the Rangers. Meanwhile, The Hockey Writers revisits Claude Giroux’s Hall of Fame credentials, a topic that still resonates strongly with Flyers fans.