The Canadiens leaned heavily on Matheson in Game 4 and may need him again in Game 5

Mike Matheson delivered one of his best performances of the season when the Canadiens needed him most in Game 4. After defense partner Alexandre Carrier was forced out early due to injury, Matheson shouldered a massive workload, playing a game-high 28 minutes, including over eight minutes on the penalty kill. Matheson anchored Montreal’s blue line in a bruising physical battle and helped shut down the Capitals’ power play despite the heartbreaking loss. Now, with the season on the line in Game 5, the question is how much more he has left in the tank.

Matheson was crucial to Canadiens success on the penalty kill

The Canadiens' penalty kill, led by Matheson, was a massive bright spot in their Game 4 loss to the Capitals. The Canadiens were a perfect five for five on the penalty kill. Still, the most crucial kill was in the second period when the Canadiens killed off the Capitals ' two-man advantage while trailing 1-0. Instead of letting the Capitals run away with the game, the penalty kill's success shifted the momentum to the Canadiens and propelled them to two consecutive goals.

Beyond the heavy workload, Matheson’s performance was nothing short of dominant. His defensive clinic on the penalty kill helped keep the Canadiens in the fight, as he consistently broke up plays, cleared the zone, and disrupted Washington’s setup. With Carrier out, Matheson didn’t just log minutes; he took command of the Canadiens’ blue line, leading all skaters in total and shorthanded ice time. The physical toll of 28 grueling minutes was evident. Still, with Carrier’s status uncertain, Montreal will again be counting on Matheson to anchor their defense in the biggest game of the season.

Matheson is no stranger to heavy minutes, and two days of rest before Game 5 in Washington will undoubtedly help. Still, asking a 31-year-old to shoulder another 28-minute night, especially after the physical toll of Game 4, might be too much. With Carrier limited to just 13:39 before leaving with an injury, the Canadiens essentially played with five defensemen for most of the game. Suppose Coach Martin St. Louis needs to insert a replacement into the lineup for Game 5, which seems likely following the hit Tom Wilson laid on Carrier. It should ease Matheson's burden somewhat, making another 28-minute performance unlikely.

Matheson will still need to lead by example on the blue line. Fatigue could be a factor, meaning the Canadiens will need others to step up. Kaiden Guhle, who has been critical for Montreal since returning to the lineup late in the season, could take on a bigger role. With Matheson carrying so much weight, Guhle's steady presence could be key in helping balance the minutes and the pressure as the Canadiens fight to keep their season alive.

Guhle will need to play a strong Game 5

Guhle ate some big minutes alongside Matheson following the injury to Carrier, expect more of the same in Game 5. The Canadiens' young shutdown defenceman played a strong 22:45, the second most of any Canadiens player, but only two minutes on the penalty kill. The Canadiens hope to find themselves in the box far less often than they did in Game 4, but if they do, expect to see Guhle out there more often to help shoulder some of the load left by Carrier.

Game 4 may have been one of the most demanding nights of Matheson's career, but it also showcased some of his best defensive hockey this season. He did everything a team could ask of a leader in the playoffs. The Canadiens couldn't close the deal last time, but as they face elimination in Washington, they'll again look to Matheson to set the tone. If they are going to bring this series back to Montreal, it will start with No. 8 leading the way on the blueline.