Montreal’s playoff hopes dashed after a 4-1 loss to Washington in Game 5. A look back at their unexpected return to the postseason.
A Tough End for the Canadiens: Out of the Playoffs
The Montreal Canadiens’ unexpected playoff return came to a halt Wednesday night as they fell 4-1 to the Washington Capitals in Game 5 of their first-round series.
With this loss, the Canadiens were eliminated from the postseason after just five games, marking the end of their brief but exciting playoff run.
A Remarkable Journey to the Playoffs
This season marked a significant turnaround for the Canadiens, who made their first playoff appearance since 2021. Their path to the postseason was anything but predictable. After a disastrous start to the 2021-22 season, where they struggled in the standings, Montreal began their rebuilding phase. They endured three years near the bottom of the NHL, and entering this season, few expected them to make it back to the playoffs.
A Rocky Start But a Strong Finish
Montreal’s season began with disappointment, as they ranked 31st in the NHL standings by December 1. However, the Canadiens turned things around with a hot streak during the holiday season, breathing new life into their campaign.
Their performance fluctuated throughout the season, but they managed to regain momentum with a 15-5-6 record after the 4 Nations Face-Off break, featuring dramatic comebacks that kept fans hopeful.
Despite struggling again in late January and early February, the Canadiens bounced back just in time to secure a wild card spot. Their final regular-season game against Carolina was a must-win, and they came through with a 4-2 victory.
The game became a highlight of the season, even causing a rescheduling of the French-language federal election debate to accommodate the excitement surrounding Montreal’s playoff chase.
A Young and Dynamic Team
Led by Captain Nick Suzuki, who posted 89 points— the most by a Canadiens player since the 1995-96 season— Montreal’s young roster defied expectations. Calder Trophy candidate Lane Hutson set franchise records for a rookie defenceman, while Sam Montembeault proved himself as a reliable starting goalie.
Key veteran performances from Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher also helped propel the team to the playoffs, despite Montreal finishing with the fewest points (91) and the worst goal-differential (-20) of any playoff team.
Playoff Hockey Takes Its Toll
Although the Canadiens displayed resilience throughout the season, the physical demands of playoff hockey caught up with them in their series against the Washington Capitals. The Capitals, led by a powerhouse roster, dominated the series with their physicality and experience, eventually proving too much for the Canadiens to handle.
Montreal’s lineup was also affected by injuries. Goalie Sam Montembeault, who had been solid for most of the season, was sidelined with a lower-body injury midway through Game 3, and rookie goalie Jakub Dobes stepped in.
Additionally, winger Patrik Laine was unavailable from Game 3 onward due to an upper-body injury, further weakening Montreal’s chances.
Game Recap: A Bitter End to a Memorable Run
The series was full of excitement, especially Montreal’s Game 3 victory, which was their first sold-out playoff game at the Bell Centre since 2017. Despite the electric atmosphere and a hard-fought win, Washington claimed the next two games, including the first road victory of the series in Game 4.
By Game 5, the Canadiens’ weary roster struggled to keep pace, and the Capitals sealed their victory with a 4-1 win, advancing to the second round to face the Carolina Hurricanes.
Looking Ahead
While Montreal’s playoff run ended prematurely, it was a promising and hopeful season for the franchise. The Canadiens demonstrated that with determination and strong performances from their core players, they could rise from the depths of the standings. Their young, dynamic team has much to build upon as they look ahead to the future.
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