Canadiens Face Elimination Against Capitals in Game 5

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens face elimination Wednesday night against the Washington Capitals in Game 5 of their playoff series. After losing Game 4 at home, the Canadiens must win to extend their season.

Starting goaltender Sam Montembeault is out due to a lower-body injury sustained during Game 3, and he did not travel with the team to Washington. Rookie goalie Jakub Dobeš is expected to start again; he allowed three goals on 24 shots in Game 4.

Dobeš remarked about the pressure of stepping into the starting position. “I don’t want to point fingers,” he said, avoiding criticism of the referees. “It’s the playoffs, everything happens fast.”

In addition to Montembeault, the Canadiens will also miss veteran forward Patrik Laine for a third consecutive game due to an upper-body injury. Laine hasn’t played since Game 2.

Despite their injuries, the Canadiens hope to draw on their past experience. They successfully came back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2021 before reaching the Stanley Cup Final.

“I think we’re confident in our ability to dig deep,” said defenseman Mike Matheson. “It’s not over ’til it’s over.” Puck drop for Game 5 is set for 7:00 p.m.