Alex Ovechkin lifts Capitals into second round of Stanley Cup playoffs

Entering Game 5 against Montreal on Wednesday, the Capitals hadn't made it out of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs since the 2017-18 season. They needed Ovechkin to excel in the series against the Canadiens to end the drought. It's safe to say he did. 

Early in the first period against Montreal, Ovechkin netted a power-play goal on a shot off a faceoff. The goal was the 39-year-old's 76th in the postseason, 30 of which have come on power plays. The future Hall of Famer is now tied with Mario Lemieux for the 12th-most playoff goals in league history, via NHL Public Relations.

Ovechkin's early goal propelled the Capitals to a 4-1 victory over Montreal. The 12-time All-Star delivered throughout the series. In five games, he logged four goals, including the winner in overtime in Game 1.

The Capitals need Ovechkin to stay sharp in their second-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Carolina should present a much tougher matchup for Washington than Montreal. 

The Hurricanes dispatched the Devils in five games in their first-round series. As of Wednesday night, FanDuel Sportsbook gives them the fifth-best odds (+470) to win the Stanley Cup.

However, the last time Washington made it out of the first round of the playoffs, it went on to win the Stanley Cup. With Ovechkin rolling, that gives the Capitals a solid chance to capture their second championship.