Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals are on the verge of advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
Game 5 of the tense first-round series against the Canadiens is set for Wednesday night. Washington, boasting a 3-1 series lead, will eliminate Montreal with a win.
The Capitals seized control of the series with a 5-2 victory in Game 4 on Sunday night, buoyed by a four-goal onslaught in the third period. Andrew Mangiapane scored the eventual game-winner, and Washington netted back-to-back empty-net goals to vanquish the home team.
The comeback effort came against the backdrop of a vitriolic Game 3, which saw both goalies leave the game due to injury and a bitter fight involving Tom Wilson.
Now the Capitals look to close out the series on their home ice.
Here's what you need to know about Wednesday's matchup between the Capitals and the Canadiens, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Capitals vs. Canadiens on today?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Fubo
Game 5 of Capitals vs. Canadiens will air live on ESPN.
Fans looking to stream Capitals vs. Canadiens can watch live on Fubo, which will carry every 2025 NHL playoff game broadcast by the ESPN networks.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Capitals vs. Canadiens start time
- Date: Wednesday, April 30
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
Game 5 of the NHL Playoffs series between the Capitals and Canadiens is set to begin at 7 p.m. ET from Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.
Washington has dropped five consecutive first-round matchups, though it is on the precipice of snapping that streak. The last time the Capitals won a first-round series was in 2018, which culminated in Washington hoisting the Stanley Cup.
The Canadiens are no stranger to 3-1 series deficits; they're tied for the most successful 3-1 series comebacks in NHL history with three. Most recently, Montreal erased a 3-1 series deficit in the first round of the 2021 playoffs, defeating the Maple Leafs.
Capitals vs. Canadiens radio station
- Radio station: SiriusXM
Fans can listen to the Capitals vs. Canadiens broadcast live on SiriusXM.
New subscribers can enjoy SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NHL, NBA, MLB and NFL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Capitals vs. Canadiens series schedule
Washington leads series 3-1
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 21 | Game 1: Capitals 3, Canadiens 2 (OT) | — | — |
| April 23 | Game 2: Capitals 3, Canadiens 1 | — | — |
| April 25 | Game 3: Canadiens 6, Capitals 3 | — | — |
| April 27 | Game 4: Capitals 5, Canadiens 2 | — | — |
| April 30 | Game 5 at Capitals | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
| May 2 | Game 6* at Canadiens | TBA | TBA, Fubo or Sling |
| May 4 | Game 7* at Capitals | TBA | TBA, Fubo or Sling |
* If necessary
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2025
Here are the key dates to know for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when previous series end.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round begins | April 19 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 5 or 6 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | June 1-7 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 23 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 27-28 |
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