​IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Montreal Canadiens (3-2-1) will face the Washington Capitals (3-3-0) on Wednesday Night, with puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. ET.The Habs are fresh off a hard-fought shootout win over the Buffalo Sabres, their second in as many games. Montreal largely outplayed Buffalo, but a lapse in focus during the third period allowed two quick goals and forced the Canadiens to work harder than they should have, given their control of the shot count.Such is life with one of the league’s youngest teams. The Canadiens have yet to establish a game plan that lets them dominate from start to finish. While the second period has often been their weak point, the broader issue remains a lack of consistency over 60 minutes or more.Regardless, Montreal has built momentum over the past week and will look to make it three straight wins as they face Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals. Jakub Dobes will get the start, his fourth of the season. In other news, with Mike Matheson dealing with a lingering issue, or perhaps because Adam Engstrom struggled on Tuesday, the Canadiens have recalled defenceman David Reinbacher from the Laval Rocket.Selected fifth overall in 2023, Reinbacher has two assists in four games with the Rocket this season. His career totals stand at nine goals and 27 assists in 82 games. Reinbacher will not play versus the Capitals, but according to head coach Martin St-Louis, there would be no hesitation should they need to rely on him.Habs coach Marty St. Louis confirms that David Reinbacher won’t play tonight but he’d be “very comfortable” to put him in the Habs lineup if necessary. https://t.co/VaJmaTj5iU— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 14, 2026The Capitals are equally tired after a 4-2 loss to the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday. Ovechkin was held off the scoresheet, but the Habs must still pay close attention: in 63 career games against Montreal he has posted 44 goals and 32 assists, an imposing stretch spanning more than two decades. The Capitals will also have a Hutson in their lineup, though you could argue Cole, Lane’s brother, is not quite at the same level, at least not yet.That being said, he certainly knows how to support the offence, as evidenced by his four goals and 13 assists in 20 career games. Simply put, the NHL is a better league with two Hutsons in the mix, as well as a much more entertaining product.Washington has yet to name its starter, though former Hab Charlie Lindgren is the likely candidate.Montreal Canadiens Projected LineupCole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj SlafkovskyChris Kreider- Alex Newhook – Josh AndersonZach Bolduc – Phillip Danault – Alexandre TexierOwen Beck – Jake Evans – Kirby DachLane Hutson – Noah DobsonAlexandre Carrier – Kaiden GuhleAdam Engstrom – Arber XhekajJakub DobesWashington Capitals Projected LineupAlex Tuch – Dylan Strome – Tom WilsonIlya Protas – Alaiksei Protas –  Alex Ovechkin Ryan Leonard –  Boone Jenner