The juggernaut Washington Capitals proved to be too much to handle for a young Montreal Canadiens team. The Capitals, who finished second overall in the regular season, were able to defeat the Canadiens in five games.

The Washington Capitals beat the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 of the first round of the NHL playoffs. The game kicked off on home ice for the Caps at Capital One Arena Wednesday night. The Capitals won Sunday 5-2 over the Canadiens for a 3-1 lead in the first-round series.

The Capitals, who had lost five straight playoff series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2018, advanced to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round. Carolina defeated the New Jersey Devils in five games in its first-round series.