The Washington Capitals aren't a team you want to give too many opportunities on the powerplay. They have an elite first unit, which includes one of the best powerplay threats in NHL history in Alex Ovechkin. Montreal did a decent job of staying disciplined through most of the series, but Game 5 proved to be their demise.
They played with fire in Game 4, giving the Capitals five powerplays. However, they were unable to connect on any of those chances. One of the Canadiens' emphasis for Game 5 had to be to stay out of the penalty box, but they failed to do so. Montreal gave Washington just three powerplays, but they made the most of their opportunities and scored two powerplay goals in the third period.
It took the Capitals just 26 seconds to score both of those powerplay goals. It proved how lethal their powerplay could be when they are rolling, but it was an unfortunate end for a penalty killing unit that played well for the Canadiens all season. Special teams was one of the bright spots for Montreal and a reason why they held on to Jake Evans instead of trading him at the deadline, but it let them down when it mattered most.
The Canadiens have nothing to be ashamed of with their effort over the past week and a half. It's a tough ending for some of the pending free agents, especially David Savard who played his last game in an NHL uniform. If you look past the disappointment of the loss, you can see a bright future on the horizon and an appreciation of what this group gave the fans this season.
Deep down fans knew this playoffs likely wouldn't end in a Stanley Cup for the Canadiens. If you look back to a month and a half ago you likely wouldn't have even guessed Montreal would be playing games into the end of April. It's all about the experience and memories the young group gained in this season. As the Sportsnet broadcast crew said as they were signing off:
"This is only the beginning and nowhere near the end."