Capitals Eliminate Canadiens, Advance to Face Hurricanes

The Montreal Canadiens were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs after losing to the Washington Capitals in five games during the first round, despite exceeding expectations in year three of their rebuild. The Capitals, buoyed by strong performances from Alex Ovechkin, Dylan Strome, and goaltender Logan Thompson, displayed resilience and capitalized on late-game opportunities throughout the series. Injuries affected both teams, particularly in goal, and physical play was a hallmark of the series. Washington's Game 5 win marked their first playoff series victory since their 2018 Stanley Cup run. The Canadiens' young core gained valuable experience, providing hope for the future. The Capitals advance to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the next round.