The Montreal Canadiens are out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a disappointing 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals in Game 5 of their first-round series on April 30, 2025. This defeat marked the end of their playoff run, as the Capitals clinched the best-of-seven matchup in just five games, advancing to the second round for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2018.
In front of a roaring home crowd at Capital One Arena, the Capitals took control early in the game. Alex Ovechkin opened the scoring with a power-play goal just 11 minutes into the first period, sending waves of excitement through the stands as fans chanted "Ovi! Ovi!". Ovechkin's shot came off a faceoff win by Dylan Strome, showcasing his lethal scoring ability.
Less than two minutes later, Pierre-Luc Dubois delivered a perfect pass to Jakob Chychrun, who found the back of the net, doubling the Capitals' lead. The Canadiens, facing elimination, fought hard but struggled to find their rhythm against a Capitals team that was clearly on a mission.
As the game progressed, Tom Wilson added an insurance goal late in the second period, pushing the score to 3-0. The Canadiens managed to get on the board early in the third period when Emil Heineman scored, but it was too little, too late. Brandon Duhaime sealed the deal with an empty-net goal in the final seconds, wrapping up the series.
Logan Thompson, the Capitals' goaltender, was instrumental in the victory, making 28 saves and earning chants of "LT! LT!" from the fans. His performance included key stops during critical moments, particularly when the Canadiens pressed for goals in the third period. The Canadiens had their chances, but Thompson was up to the task, turning aside shots from players like Kaiden Guhle and Nick Suzuki.
Despite the loss, the Canadiens' return to the playoffs was a significant achievement. After a difficult start to the season, where they ranked 31st in the NHL on December 1, 2024, the team rallied to finish with a 15-5-6 record following the 4 Nations Face-Off break. They secured the second wild card in the Eastern Conference with a crucial 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in their final regular-season game, a matchup so significant that it prompted the rescheduling of a French-language federal election debate.
Captain Nick Suzuki led the Canadiens with an impressive 89 points, the most by a player in Montreal since the 1995-96 season. Additionally, rookie defenceman Lane Hutson set new franchise records, solidifying his status as a Calder Trophy favorite. The Canadiens qualified for the playoffs with 91 points, despite having the worst goal differential in the league at -20.
Their playoff journey was marked by resilience and determination, especially considering they were the youngest team to reach the postseason. However, injuries played a significant role in their early exit. Goaltender Sam Montembeault missed the last two games of the series due to a lower-body injury, forcing rookie Jakub Dobes into the starting role. The absence of winger Patrik Laine, who suffered an upper-body injury, further complicated matters for Montreal.
The Capitals' victory not only marked a return to form for the franchise but also highlighted the end of an era for the Canadiens, who had been in a rebuilding phase since their disastrous start to the 2021-22 season. After living near the NHL's basement for three years, their unexpected playoff appearance this season was a breath of fresh air for a storied franchise.
As the Capitals prepare to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round, they will look to build on their momentum. With the series win, Washington has proven they are a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs, as they aim for another shot at the Stanley Cup.
For the Canadiens, the focus now shifts to the future. With a young core and promising talent, fans can remain hopeful for a brighter path ahead. The lessons learned from this playoff experience will undoubtedly shape their journey as they continue to rebuild and strive for success in the seasons to come.
