In a thrilling playoff matchup, the Washington Capitals defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-2 in the fourth game of their NHL playoff series, held on April 28, 2025, in Montreal. This victory puts Washington ahead in the series with a commanding 3-1 lead, inching them closer to advancing to the next round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Capitals showcased their offensive prowess with Brendon Duhaime leading the charge, scoring two goals. Dylan Strome, Andrew Mangiapane, and Tom Wilson also contributed, each netting a goal to solidify Washington's dominance. The Capitals seized control of the game, especially in the final period, where they netted four goals, including two empty-netters after Montreal pulled their goalie in desperation.
For the Canadiens, the night was highlighted by 19-year-old Ivan Demidov, who recorded his first career playoff points with two assists on goals scored by Yuri Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield. Despite the loss, Demidov's performance offered a glimpse of hope for the Canadiens as they seek to rally in the series.
"We need to be better in the next game," said Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis. "We have shown we can compete, especially at home, but we need to find a way to finish our chances and tighten up defensively." The Canadiens had previously shown promise in their playoff run, notably with a stunning 6-3 victory over Washington in their first home game. However, this latest loss revealed vulnerabilities that they must address before the next match.
The Capitals entered the playoffs with a strong regular-season record, finishing first in the Eastern Conference with 111 points. However, their performance had been shaky towards the end of the regular season, raising questions about their momentum heading into the playoffs. Washington coach Spencer Carbery emphasized the need for consistency, stating, "We have to play our game and not get complacent. Every team in the playoffs is dangerous, and we have to respect that."
As the series progresses, the Capitals will be looking to maintain their momentum when they host the Canadiens for Game 5 on April 30, 2025. The stakes are high, and with the series on the line, both teams will need to bring their best efforts to the ice.
In addition to the competitive atmosphere, the game also featured a notable moment when Alexander Ovechkin, the Capitals' star forward, was held scoreless. Ovechkin, who has been a key player for Washington throughout the season, expressed his frustration after the game, saying, "It’s disappointing not to contribute on the scoresheet, but the important thing is we won. We need to keep pushing forward together as a team." His leadership will be crucial as the Capitals aim to close out the series.
The Canadiens are facing a tough road ahead as they prepare for the next game. With injuries to key players like Kirby Dach and Carey Price, the team will need to rely on their depth and resilience. The upcoming match will be pivotal, not just for the series but for the morale of the Canadiens and their fans.
As the playoffs continue, fans are eagerly anticipating what the next game will bring. With the series now at 3-1 in favor of Washington, the Canadiens need to dig deep to extend their playoff hopes. The Capitals, on the other hand, are looking to capitalize on their lead and secure a spot in the next round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
With both teams showcasing their skills and determination, the upcoming game promises to be an exciting showdown. Will Montreal rise to the occasion and force a Game 6, or will Washington seal the deal and move forward in the playoffs? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the intensity of the NHL playoffs is at an all-time high.
