The Washington Capitals have made a triumphant return to the NHL playoffs, clinching their first series victory since 2018 with a decisive 4-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5. Led by Alex Ovechkin's stellar performance, which included a power-play goal, the Capitals celebrated their first home series win in eight years. Goaltender Logan Thompson proved crucial, executing 28 saves, including a remarkable stop in a critical moment. The Capitals will now face the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round.

This victory marks a significant turnaround for a Capitals team that was swept by the New York Rangers the previous season. Coach Martin St. Louis acknowledged the resilience of his young Canadiens squad, highlighting their potential despite the loss. The Capitals are eager to build on this momentum as they prepare for the next round.