Capitals Break the Curse: First Series Win Since 2018. What to expect in Round 2

The Washington Capitals have finally advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since their 2018 championship run, ending a seven-year streak of early exits. They closed out the Montreal Canadiens in five games with a decisive 4-1 victory at Capital One Arena, led by Alex Ovechkin’s four-goal series, steady goaltending from Logan Thompson, and timely scoring from depth players like Brandon Duhaime and Jakob Chychrun. Head coach Spencer Carbery’s system and composure helped guide a relatively new core—featuring standouts like Connor McMichael and Pierre-Luc Dubois—through tightly contested games and adversity, proving this year’s group has a different feel from the past few disappointing playoff squads.

Despite the 4-1 series margin, Montreal pushed hard, with three of the games coming down to the wire. Still, the Caps responded to each challenge with maturity and structure, showing they can both absorb and deliver pressure. With the Carolina Hurricanes now looming in the second round, Washington faces a significant test against a disciplined and relentless team. The matchup will likely hinge on special teams, goaltending consistency, and how the Capitals’ newer additions handle a deeper playoff grind. But for now, Caps fans can finally exhale—the drought is over.

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