The Washington Capitals can officially end the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff run with a Game 5 win on April 30.
After a dominant 4-2 victory at the Bell Centre in Game 4, the series returns to the Capital One Center on Wednesday.
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“I think that the start of the game is going to be important from an overall standpoint of what you expect from the Montreal Canadiens,” Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery told reporters.
“They’re going to be very comfortable in this environment and facing elimination.. You can tell they’ve been through it… We expect their best punch today, and we’re going to need to be ready and we’re going to have [be] our best tonight.”
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin.David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Capitals star Alex Ovechkin heard his message loud and clear. With 10:48 left in the first period, Ovechkin put the first goal on the board during a power play to give Washington a 1-0 lead.
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The Capitals announced, “With his goal, Ovechkin ties Mario Lemieux (76) for the 12th-most playoff goals in NHL history.”
The 39-year-old now four goals during this playoff series, tied for fifth among all skaters in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
If Ovechkin score two more goals, he’ll tie Jaromir Jagr for the 11th most playoff goals. Three more goals and he’ll tie with Jean Beliveau for 10th.
The veteran team captain has been on fire this season, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record (894 goals) with career goal No. 895 earlier this month. He added three more goals before the regular season ended.
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If the Capitals defeat the Canadiens on Wednesday night, Ovechkin and Co. will become the second team after the Carolina Hurricanes to punch their ticket to the next round.
If Washington loses to the Canadiens, Game 6 is scheduled for Friday, May 2.
Related: Insane Fight During Capitals-Canadiens Game 3 Leaves Fans Stunned