Alex Ovechkin scored on a laser of a shot off a faceoff, Logan Thompson made some spectacular saves among his 28 and the Capitals beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-1 in Game 5 of their first-round series Wednesday night to advance in the NHL playoffs.

The Washington Capitals are heading to the second round for the first time since 2018 after a Game 5 victory against the Montreal Canadiens.

WASHINGTON -- Alex Ovechkin scored his fourth goal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the Washington Capitals eliminated the Montreal Canadiens with a 4-1 win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.