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 Montreal Canadiens lost to the Washington Capitals in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They lost the first two games on the road but took Game 3 at home. A late-game collapse in Game 4 led to a road game with their playoff lives on the line.

First-round NHL playoff action continues tonight with the Montreal Canadiens battling the Washington Capitals in Game 5.