After an incredible 2024-25 regular season, the playoffs are finally here. And the vibes are… mixed. In search of the franchise’s second Stanley Cup championship, the Washington Capitals will begin their journey with a seven-game, best-of-seven series against the Montreal Canadiens. Here’s your series preview.
The Capitals will start the series without 30-goal scorer Aliaksei Protas and defenseman Martin Fehervary, who are both out due to injury. However, the Capitals will see a return from starting goaltender Logan Thompson, who will take the net after recovering from an upper-body injury first suffered on April 2. Montreal comes into the playoffs like the 2007-08 Capitals once did: with an insanely talented youth core who is still learning how to win. This series should be fun, nerve-racking, and great hockey. Puck drop for Game 1 is at 7:00 PM on Monumental Sports Network. Joe B and Locker have the call. Let’s go Caps!
In this first-round series, the Capitals are looking to capitalize on their strong regular season performance where they finished with a record of 51-22-9, earning them the top seed in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens, on the other hand, secured their playoff spot as the last Wild Card team with a record of 40-31-11, going 7-1-2 in their last ten games.
As the teams prepare for battle, the Capitals are led by the legendary Alex Ovechkin, who has shown no signs of slowing down despite being 39 years old. Ovechkin finished the regular season tied for third in the NHL with 44 goals and made history by becoming the all-time leading goal scorer in NHL history, surpassing Wayne Gretzky with his 895th career goal. Ovechkin's experience and scoring prowess will be crucial for the Capitals as they look to navigate through the playoffs.
On the Canadiens’ side, captain Nick Suzuki leads the team in points with 89, while Cole Caufield has been the leading goal scorer with 37. Lane Hutson has also made a significant impact, leading the team in assists with 60 during the regular season. The Canadiens will be relying on this core, along with the recent addition of touted rookie Ivan Demidov, to challenge the Capitals.
As the game begins, fans at Capital One Arena are buzzing. The atmosphere is electric, with the national anthems being beautifully sung by Bob McDonald and Caleb Green, sending chills down the spines of those in attendance.
The puck is dropped, and the Capitals start strong, featuring Ovechkin, Strome, Beauvillier, and Sandin-Roy against Montreal’s Anderson, Dvorak, Gallagher, and Matheson-Carrier. It’s a clean-shaven Logan Thompson facing off against Sam Montembeault in net. The Capitals come out with intensity, as Beauvillier and Ovechkin deliver huge hits on the first shift. Connor McMichael nearly finds the back of the net on a semi-breakaway, but Montembeault stands tall.
Early in the first, the Capitals are dominating the chances with three quality opportunities. However, a controversial moment arises when Alex Alexeyev cross-checks Brendan Gallagher directly in the face, but no penalty is called, leading to loud boos from the home crowd. Tom Wilson then delivers a big hit on Kaiden Guhle, ramping up the physicality of the matchup.
At 10:26, Taylor Raddysh takes the game’s first penalty for slashing, giving Montreal a power play opportunity. Logan Thompson showcases his skills by stopping a low one-timer from Patrik Laine, helping the Capitals kill the penalty. The first period continues with Ovechkin nearly scoring from an impossible angle as Montembeault slides out of position.
With just under two minutes left in the first, the Capitals break the deadlock. 🚨 1-0 Washington Capitals. WSH PPG: Alex Ovechkin (1). Assists: T. Wilson (1), D. Strome (1). Time: 18:34. Ovechkin snaps a shot from the top of the left circle, sending it blocker-side past Montembeault. The Capitals go 1/1 on the power play while Montreal finishes 0 for 1. At the first intermission, the Capitals lead 1-0 with 15 shots to Montreal's 13.
The second period kicks off, and the pace slows down significantly compared to the first. However, the Capitals manage to extend their lead. 🚨 2-0 Washington Capitals. WSH Goal: Alex Ovechkin (1). Assists: A. Beauvillier (1), D. Strome (2). Time: 12:09. Ovechkin puts a shot on net from the bench, which Beauvillier deflects before potting the rebound.
As the period winds down, Montreal ramps up the pressure, but Alex Ovechkin delivers another huge hit on Cole Caufield, reminding everyone of his physical presence. At 16:18, Patrik Laine heads to the box for high-sticking Nic Dowd, giving the Capitals another power play chance. Despite a strong effort, they can’t capitalize, and the second period ends with the Capitals leading 2-0.
As the third period begins, the tension is palpable. Both teams are vying for every inch of ice, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the Capitals holding a two-goal lead, the Canadiens will need to dig deep and find a way to respond if they hope to get back into this contest.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for live updates as the action unfolds. The Capitals are looking to secure a strong start in this series, while the Canadiens are eager to prove they belong in the playoffs. Will Washington hold onto their lead, or can Montreal mount a comeback?
As the game progresses, the excitement continues to build. This is the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and anything can happen in the quest for hockey’s ultimate prize. Keep your eyes on the ice!
