WASHINGTON, D.C.– Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals will try to eliminate the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 of the quarterfinals of the NHL Playoffs today – Wednesday, April 30– at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The matchup is available on multiple streaming services for free.
Today’s NHL playoff game will broadcast live on ESPN with the puck dropping at 7 p.m. Eastern. Fans who have parted ways with their local cable provider can catch the action by utilizing streaming alternatives like FuboTV ($30 off first month) and DirecTV Stream, which both offer a free trial.
Sling TV is also offering promotional discounts for new customers.
How do I watch Capitals vs. Canadiens game for free?
You can watch Capitals-Canadiens for free by utilizing a free trial from FuboTV or DirecTV Stream.
Streaming serviceMonthly PriceFree trial LengthDiscountDirecTV Stream$74.99Yes5-dayNoFuboTV$84.99 Yes5-day$30 off first monthSling TV$45.99NoN/AHalf off first month
The Capitals throttled the Canadiens behind a pair of goals from Brandon Duhaime.
Ovechkin, NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, notched his 75th career playoff goal back in Game 3. He has three goals in this series, including two in Game 1. The Russian icon is making his 16th appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Dylan Strome kept his hot streak alive with a goal and an assist. He touts seven points in the series.
The Capitals first line has accounted for over half of their goals in the series.
Goalkeeper Logan Thompson turned away 16 of 18 shots in Game 4.
Aliaksei Protas (skate cut) is likely to return but will be a gametime decision. It would be his first game since April 4.
The Capitals have not made it out of the first round since their Stanley Cup triumph in 2018. If they win, they will get the Carolina Hurricanes in an intriguing semifinal matchup.
Watch Capitals vs. Canadiens for free on DirecTV Stream
It’s win or go home for the Canadians after a dismal display during the third period on home ice in Game 4. Montreal held a one-goal lead heading into the final period, but succumbed to Washington’s blitz. That sets up tonight’s desperate attempt to drag the Capitals back to Montreal for a Game 6.
Though the Canadiens showed their mettle in the first three games, and in most of the fourth, it’s been an arduous task to keep up with the Capitals’ second-best offense.
Lane Hutson leads the Canadiens with five points in the series.
With goaltender Samuel Montembeault sidelined, rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes notched his first career playoff start, halting 21 of 24 shots. Dobes is 2-1 against Washington this season with a 2.43 GAA and .878 save percentage.
Montembeault (lower body injury) and forward Patrick Laine (lower body injury) remain out for the pivotal clash.
The two teams have combined for 25 goals in the series.
Who is announcing Capitals vs. Canadiens?
Sean McDonough (play-by-play) and Ray Ferraro (analyst) will be the announcers while Emily Kaplan reports rinkside.
What are the latest odds for Capitals vs. Canadiens?
Moneyline: WAS: (-180), MTL: (+150)
Puck spread: WAS: -1.5, MTL: +1.5
Over/Under: 6.5
Here’s more information on how to watch Capitals-Canadiens on TV and streaming services:
What: NHL Playoffs East Quarterfinals Game 5: Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
When: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern
Where: Capital One Arena | Washington, D.C.
Channel: ESPN
Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial and $30 off first month), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV (promotional offers for new customers)
Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DirecTV, Dish, Verizon Fios