Tom Wilson’s physical approach to hockey again took center stage as the Washington Capitals defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-2 in Game 4, moving within one win of advancing to the second round. Wilson’s controversial hit on Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier midway through the third period was the turning point.

MONTREAL -- Brandon Duhaime scored twice in a four-goal third period for the Washington Capitals, who rallied for a 5-2 win against the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Bell Centre on Sunday.

Wilson's massive hit on Montreal Canadiens defenceman Alexandre Carrier led to a tying goal and sparked the Capitals

The top seed Capitals rallied past the Canadiens to take a 3-1 lead. The Presidents' Trophy-winning Jets, though, lost to the Blues again.

If the answer is “no,” that’s OK. Montreal nearly backed its way into the playoffs and the Washington Capitals hit a rough patch of their own. Still, this matchup brings a whole bunch of juice — the most prolific goal scorer of all time, the East’s top team and the return of postseason hockey to one of the sport’s true epicenters.

Andrew Mangiapane scored the go-ahead goal with just under four minutes remaining, Brandon Duhaime had two goals and Logan Thompson made 16 saves to lead the Washington Capitals to a 5-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens for a 3-1 lead in the first-round series.

With a 5-2 win on Sunday, the Washington Capitals made anyone who thought Montreal could make a series out of their first-round matchup think again.

Washington Capitals forward Andrew Mangiapane scored a late game-winning goal to help secure his team a 3-1 lead in their first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens.