The Montreal Canadiens faced a major setback against the Washington Capitals in Game 4 of their playoff series, suffering a comeback loss that leaves them on the brink of elimination. Despite an early lead, the Canadiens struggled to maintain momentum as the Capitals rallied back with four unanswered goals. Notable performances from Ivan Demidov and Cole Caufield highlighted the Canadiens’ efforts, but inconsistent officiating and defensive lapses proved costly. With the series now tied at 2-2, Montreal must regroup ahead of Game 5 to avoid playoff elimination.
By the Numbers
- Montreal outshot Washington 8-7 in the first period but lost 5-2 overall.
- Power plays were heavily favored for Washington, 5-3 during the game.
State of Play
- Game was marked by fluctuating momentum and a sharp increase in physical play as the match progressed.
- Montreal led 2-1 before the Capitals scored four consecutive goals to secure the comeback.
What’s Next
Montreal must focus on tightening its defense and maintaining composure while playing on the road in Game 5. Key players like Demidov will need to consistently perform, and the team will benefit from capitalizing on power play opportunities to shift momentum back in their favor.
Bottom Line
The Canadiens are at a critical juncture; they must learn from the mistakes of Game 4 and harness the strengths of their young talent to prevent a first-round exit. Enhanced team cohesion and securing important defensive plays will be essential as they face elimination in Washington.
