Viktor Arvidsson, the Edmonton Oilers forward, is set to explore new opportunities after a challenging season, with management indicating a willingness to facilitate this transition. Meanwhile, the Oilers are evaluating several goaltending options for the upcoming offseason, eyeing players like Ivan Prosvetov, Jake Allen, and Ilya Samsonov among others. Additionally, various restricted free agents are on the radar, including Jakub Dobes and Cayden Primeau, potentially shaping the team’s strategy going forward.

As the offseason approaches, the Oilers are also considering trade possibilities for notable names atop the current trade watch list, including Erik Karlsson and Evander Kane. The dynamics of these transactions will influence roster management and overall team performance as they look to strengthen their position in the NHL.

Despite a swift playoff exit, Montreal Canadiens' head coach Martin St. Louis expresses excitement for the future, emphasizing the growth of a young team that was the youngest in the playoffs at an average age of 26.4. After three seasons without playoff hockey, the Canadiens' rebuild is ahead of schedule. Rookie goalie Jakub Dobes is optimistic after stepping in for Sam Montembeault, and a talented lineup of players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield showcases potential. Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery praises the Canadiens' bright future and competitive spirit, highlighting the valuable experience gained during this playoff run.

As the Canadiens reflect on their series loss, they recognize the lessons learned in the physicality of playoff hockey. Captain Suzuki notes that the experience will make them more comfortable in future playoff situations. Veteran Brendan Gallagher stresses the need for consistent effort to reclaim a playoff position next season, underlying the reality that the journey back to playoff contention will be challenging.

Martin St. Louis, head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, expressed optimism following his team's playoff exit, emphasizing the growth potential of his young roster. Despite being eliminated by the Washington Capitals in five games, the Canadiens showcased a promising future, particularly with their average player age of 26.4 and significant contributions from rookies like goalie Jakub Dobes and defenders Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov. St. Louis's final power-play unit featured a youthful lineup, demonstrating the team's potential.

Key players like Nick Suzuki, who recorded 89 points, and Cole Caufield, leading the team with 37 goals, set a high bar for next season. The Capitals acknowledged the Canadiens’ grit and resilience, with Tom Wilson noting their bright future. As veterans like Brendan Gallagher stress the necessity of hard work to return to the playoffs, the Canadiens are poised for an exciting 2025 season, building on the lessons learned in their first postseason experience.

In a crucial Game 5, the Montreal Canadiens face potential elimination against the Washington Capitals, with Alexandre Carrier's status as a game-time decision. Coach Martin St. Louis confirmed that Carrier is day-to-day after an injury from Tom Wilson in Game 4. The Canadiens have already dealt with injuries to key players like goaltender Sam Montembeault and winger Patrik Laine, leaving rookie Jakub Dobes to start again in net.

Matheson emphasized the team's adaptability, stating his readiness to adjust defensively regardless of Carrier's availability. As the series stands, the Canadiens trail 3-1, a situation reminiscent of their 2021 playoff comeback against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Montreal Canadiens faced a disheartening 5-2 defeat against the Washington Capitals in Game 4, a pivotal moment that brought them to the edge of elimination. The decisive play came from Tom Wilson, whose controversial hit on Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier in the third period sparked outrage among Montreal players and fans alike, with many questioning the officiating standards in the NHL.

Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery commended Wilson's aggressive play as a game-changer, while Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes expressed his disbelief at the lack of a penalty, suggesting the rules seem inconsistent. This hit shifted momentum, allowing the Capitals to tie and ultimately seal their victory with two late empty-net goals. Now, the Canadiens must regroup quickly as they head into a must-win situation for Game 5.