Montreal head coach Martin St. Louis was at a loss for words in describing the message he wants to convey to the Canadiens after their 5-2 loss in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series with the Washington Capitals.

Washington goalie Thompson could play after collision in Game 3; Montreal rookie Dobes expected to start for injured Montembeault

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.