WASHINGTON -- Connor McMichael scored two goals, and the Washington Capitals extended their lead in the Eastern Conference First Round with a 3-1 win against the Montreal Canadiens in Game 2 at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.

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.

Montreal took an early 1-0 lead in the second period on a goal from Christian Dvorak, but the Capitals responded quickly with two goals in a span of 60 seconds. A late empty-net goal by Capitals' Connor McMichael sealed the win for Washington, who also took Game 1 on a historic overtime goal by Alex Ovechkin.