ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — The playoff intensity is reaching a boiling point between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens, as both teams have been fined $25,000 for escalating tensions that have spilled over beyond the final whistle — and even before the opening faceoff.
The NHL issued the fines after a particularly contentious pregame warmup before Game 4 on Sunday night. Washington defenseman Dylan McIlrath and Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj were each penalized the maximum individual fine of $3,385 for unsportsmanlike conduct during the incident.
These latest fines come on the heels of a $5,000 penalty each for Capitals forward Tom Wilson and Canadiens forward Josh Anderson for their fight in Game 3, which erupted at the end of the second period and even extended into the visiting bench. In total, the two teams have racked up 37 penalties through the first four games of the series — a clear sign of the growing animosity.
“This happens in every series, especially the first round,” Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher said during a Monday video call with reporters. “It’s the most physical, the most emotional. This one’s no different.”
The series has become not only a physical battle but a war of words. Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis openly questioned the officiating after Game 4, expressing his frustration with what he viewed as questionable calls. “It’s hard to watch some of these calls,” St. Louis said.
Despite his coach’s criticism, Gallagher maintained a more measured tone, acknowledging the Canadiens’ frustrations while placing trust in the league’s ability to manage officiating. “It hasn’t gone our way. That goes without saying. But that’s for them to control,” he said.
Statistically, Montreal has had more opportunities on the power play — 13 to Washington’s 10 — and has made the most of them, outscoring the Capitals 5-1 in those situations.
Washington head coach Spencer Carbery, meanwhile, dismissed any notion that outside comments or officiating criticisms would influence how his team approaches the rest of the series.
“We’ll go out and do everything we can to earn power plays and make sure we’re not taking penalties,” Carbery said. “The refs are the refs. If you get wrapped up in that stuff, for me, it’s counterproductive.”
Game 4 also saw a critical momentum swing in favor of Washington. Following a thunderous hit by Wilson on Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier, the Capitals capitalized by scoring twice in the third period on backup goalie Jakub Dobes. The win gave Washington a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Adding to their optimism, the Capitals could soon see the return of valuable forward Aliaksei Protas, who has missed the past three weeks due to a skate cut to his left foot.
“He’s right there,” Carbery said. “He’s full practice. He’s ready to roll. We’ll see if he gets into Game 5.”
Game 5 is set for Wednesday night in Washington, where the Capitals have a chance to close out the series and advance, while Montreal fights to keep its postseason hopes alive in a clash that’s proving as emotional as it is competitive.
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