Canadiens eliminated from NHL playoffs after 4-1 loss to Capitals in Game 5
The Montreal Canadiens have been eliminated from the NHL playoffs after a 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals in Game 5 of their first-round series. This defeat ended their best-of-seven matchup in just five games, with Washington advancing to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round.
The Canadiens’ playoff appearance was unexpected, as they had not made it to the postseason since 2021. The team had undergone a rebuild after a dismal start to the 2021-22 season, spending three years near the bottom of the NHL standings. Despite not being a popular pre-season pick to make the playoffs, Montreal managed to turn their season around.
Early in the season, the Canadiens struggled and were ranked 31st in the NHL by December 1st. However, a hot streak during the holiday season helped them climb the standings. They faced another setback in late January and early February but rebounded with a strong 15-5-6 run after the 4 Nations Face-Off break, which included several dramatic comebacks.
Captain Nick Suzuki led the team with 89 points, the most by a Canadien since 1995-96, while rookie defenceman Lane Hutson set franchise records. Goaltender Sam Montembeault emerged as a solid No. 1 goalie, and veterans Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher had standout seasons.
Despite being the youngest team in the playoffs with the fewest points and worst goal differential, Montreal fought hard to secure a playoff spot. However, the toll of playing playoff-like hockey for two months caught up with them against the physical Capitals.
Washington took Games 1 and 2 at home before Montreal’s thrilling Game 3 victory in front of a sold-out Bell Centre. The Capitals then secured a road win in Game 4. Montembeault’s absence in Games 4 and 5 due to a lower-body injury, along with injuries to other key players like Patrik Laine, hindered the Canadiens’ efforts in the series.
Ultimately, Montreal’s playoff run came to an end in the first round, but their unexpected resurgence and strong performances from key players have set a promising foundation for the future. Fans can look forward to seeing how the Canadiens continue to grow and improve in the seasons to come.
