Washington Capitals seasons
Encyclopedia
The Washington Capitals
are a professional ice hockey
team based in Washington, D.C.
The team is a member of the Southeast Division
of the Eastern Conference
of the National Hockey League
(NHL). The Capitals played at the Capital Centre
from their inaugural season in 1974 to 1997, when they moved to the Verizon Center
. In 35 completed seasons, the Capitals have qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs 21 times but have never won a Stanley Cup
. As of the 2009–10 season
, Washington has won over 1,200 games, the 16th highest victory total among NHL teams.
The Capitals were founded in 1974 as an expansion team in the Prince of Wales Conference. The team had a 8–67–5 record and lost 37 straight road games in their inaugural season
. The Capitals made their first playoffs in the 1982–83 season
and qualified for the playoffs for the following 13 seasons in a row. The Capitals won the Eastern Conference during their 1997–98 season
but were swept by the Detroit Red Wings
in the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals
.
The team moved to the Southeast Division in 1998 following their Stanley Cup defeat and won two consecutive division titles between 2001 and 2002, before entering a period of decline and failing to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for four of their next five seasons. Washington drafted Alexander Ovechkin
during the 2004 NHL Draft, who has led the team to recent success. The Capitals have qualified for the past three playoffs, and won the Presidents' Trophy
in the 2009–10 season
.
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...
are a professional ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
team based in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
The team is a member of the Southeast Division
Southeast Division (NHL)
The NHL's Southeast Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Eastern Conference due to expansion.The Southeast Division is the only one of the six divisions that does not have a precursor from the Wales/Campbell conference era ....
of the Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference (NHL)
The Eastern Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Western Conference....
of the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
(NHL). The Capitals played at the Capital Centre
Capital Centre
The Capital Centre was an indoor arena located in Landover, Maryland, unincorporated Prince George's County, Maryland; a suburb of Washington, D.C. Completed in 1973, the arena sat 18,756 for basketball and 18,130 for hockey....
from their inaugural season in 1974 to 1997, when they moved to the Verizon Center
Verizon Center
Verizon Center is a sports and entertainment arena in Washington, D.C., USA, named after telecommunications sponsor Verizon Communications, and has been nicknamed the "Phone Booth" because of its association with telecommunications companies...
. In 35 completed seasons, the Capitals have qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs 21 times but have never won a Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
. As of the 2009–10 season
2009–10 NHL season
The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation of the National Hockey League , and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association . It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010...
, Washington has won over 1,200 games, the 16th highest victory total among NHL teams.
The Capitals were founded in 1974 as an expansion team in the Prince of Wales Conference. The team had a 8–67–5 record and lost 37 straight road games in their inaugural season
1974–75 Washington Capitals season
The 1974–75 Washington Capitals season was the first in Capitals history. Along with the Kansas City Scouts, the Capitals joined the National Hockey League as an expansion team for the 1974–75 season. The team was owned by Abe Pollin, owner of the NBA's Washington Bullets...
. The Capitals made their first playoffs in the 1982–83 season
1982–83 Washington Capitals season
-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals...
and qualified for the playoffs for the following 13 seasons in a row. The Capitals won the Eastern Conference during their 1997–98 season
1997–98 Washington Capitals season
The 1997–98 Washington Capitals season saw the team reach the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in club history. Peter Bondra's 52 goals led the team, veterans Dale Hunter, Joe Juneau, and Adam Oates returned to old form, and Olaf Kolzig had a solid .920 save percentage as the Caps got...
but were swept by the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
in the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals
1998 Stanley Cup Finals
- Detroit Red Wings - 1998 Stanley Cup Champions :- Stanley Cup engravings :* Wally Crossman was oldest person engraved on the Stanley Cup at age 87....
.
The team moved to the Southeast Division in 1998 following their Stanley Cup defeat and won two consecutive division titles between 2001 and 2002, before entering a period of decline and failing to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for four of their next five seasons. Washington drafted Alexander Ovechkin
Alexander Ovechkin
Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin is a Russian professional ice hockey left winger and captain of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League...
during the 2004 NHL Draft, who has led the team to recent success. The Capitals have qualified for the past three playoffs, and won the Presidents' Trophy
Presidents' Trophy
The Presidents' Trophy is an award presented by the National Hockey League to the team that finishes with the most points in the league during the regular season. If two teams tie for the most points, then the trophy goes to the team with the most wins. The winning team is also awarded C$350,000...
in the 2009–10 season
2009–10 Washington Capitals season
The 2009–10 Washington Capitals season was the 36th season for the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League . The season started with the 2009 NHL Entry Draft on June 26–27, with the Capitals holding the 24th selection in the draft....
.
Table key
| Final position in division or league standings | |
| Goals against (goals scored by the Capitals' opponents) | |
| Goals for (goals scored by the Capitals) | |
| Number of games played | |
| Won the Stanley Cup Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug... |
|
| Number of losses | |
| Number of losses in overtime (since the 1999–00 season) | |
| Number of points | |
| Number of ties | |
| Two-game total goals series | |
| Number of wins |
Year by year
| Stanley Cup champions | Conference Eastern Conference (NHL) The Eastern Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Western Conference.... champions * |
Division Atlantic Division (NHL) The NHL's Atlantic Division was formed in 1993 as part of the Eastern Conference in a league realignment, the predecessor of which was the Patrick Division. It is the only division in the NHL where all of its current members have won the Stanley Cup at least twice, though only three teams have won... champions ^ |
Led league in points Presidents' Trophy The Presidents' Trophy is an award presented by the National Hockey League to the team that finishes with the most points in the league during the regular season. If two teams tie for the most points, then the trophy goes to the team with the most wins. The winning team is also awarded C$350,000... # |
| Capitals season | Conference | Division | Regular season Season structure of the NHL The structure of the National Hockey League season is divided into the regular season and the Stanley Cup playoffs. In the regular season, teams play 82 games which determine their standings... |
Postseason | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | GP | W | L | T | OTL | Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
GF | GA | GP | W | L | GF | GA | Result | ||||
| 1974–75 1974–75 Washington Capitals season The 1974–75 Washington Capitals season was the first in Capitals history. Along with the Kansas City Scouts, the Capitals joined the National Hockey League as an expansion team for the 1974–75 season. The team was owned by Abe Pollin, owner of the NBA's Washington Bullets... |
Wales Eastern Conference (NHL) The Eastern Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Western Conference.... |
Norris Norris Division The NHL's Norris Division was formed in 1974 as part of the Prince of Wales Conference. The division moved to the Clarence Campbell Conference in 1981, with the Detroit Red Wings being the only member to remain from the previous season. The division existed for 19 seasons until 1993. The... |
5th | 80 | 8 | 67 | 5 | — | 21 | 181 | 446 | — | — | — | — | — | Did not qualify | |
| 1975–76 1975–76 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... |
Wales | Norris | 5th | 80 | 11 | 59 | 10 | — | 32 | 224 | 394 | — | — | — | — | — | Did not qualify | |
| 1976–77 1976–77 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... |
Wales | Norris | 4th | 80 | 24 | 42 | 14 | — | 62 | 221 | 307 | — | — | — | — | — | Did not qualify | |
| 1977–78 1977–78 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Playoffs:The Capitals still had several years to go before they would win enough games to qualify for the playoffs.-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... |
Wales | Norris | 5th | 80 | 17 | 49 | 14 | — | 48 | 195 | 321 | — | — | — | — | — | Did not qualify | |
| 1978–79 1978–79 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... |
Wales | Norris | 4th | 80 | 24 | 41 | 15 | — | 63 | 273 | 338 | — | — | — | — | — | Did not qualify | |
| 1979–80 1979–80 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... |
Wales | Patrick Patrick Division The Patrick Division of the National Hockey League was formed in 1974 as part of the Clarence Campbell Conference. The division moved to the Prince of Wales Conference in 1981. The division existed for 19 seasons until 1993. It was named in honor of Lester Patrick... |
5th | 80 | 27 | 40 | 13 | — | 67 | 261 | 293 | — | — | — | — | — | Did not qualify | |
| 1980–81 1980–81 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... |
Wales | Patrick | 5th | 80 | 26 | 36 | 18 | — | 70 | 286 | 317 | — | — | — | — | — | Did not qualify | |
| 1981–82 1981–82 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... |
Wales | Patrick | 5th | 80 | 26 | 41 | 13 | — | 65 | 319 | 338 | — | — | — | — | — | Did not qualify | |
| 1982–83 1982–83 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... |
Wales | Patrick | 3rd | 80 | 39 | 25 | 16 | — | 94 | 306 | 283 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 19 | Lost Division Semifinals vs. New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... 1–3 |
|
| 1983–84 1983–84 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... |
Wales | Patrick | 2nd | 80 | 48 | 27 | 5 | — | 101 | 308 | 226 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 28 | 25 | Won Division Semifinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... 3–0 Lost Division Finals vs. New York Islanders 1–4 |
|
| 1984–85 1984–85 Washington Capitals season -Regular season:Coming off their most successful season in their NHL history , the Capitals were expected to take over leadership of the division from the Islanders, whose fading dynasty was given a blow after the Oilers topped them in the 1984 Finals.Instead, despite a solid start to the season,... |
Wales | Patrick | 2nd | 80 | 46 | 25 | 9 | — | 101 | 322 | 240 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 14 | Lost Division Semifinals vs. New York Islanders 2–3 | |
| 1985–86 1985–86 Washington Capitals season The Washington Capitals are a professional American ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C.; in the 1985–86 season, the team finished with 107 points and won 50 games for the first time in franchise history, good enough for the third-best record in the National Hockey League... |
Wales | Patrick | 2nd | 80 | 50 | 23 | 7 | — | 107 | 315 | 272 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 36 | 24 | Won Division Semifinals vs. New York Islanders 3–0 Lost Division Finals vs. New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... 4–2 |
|
| 1986–87 1986–87 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... |
Wales | Patrick | 2nd | 80 | 38 | 32 | 10 | — | 86 | 285 | 278 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 19 | Lost Division Semifinals vs. New York Islanders 3–4 | |
| 1987–88 1987–88 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Playoffs:Defenseman Garry Galley's two goal performance tied the regular season finale with Philadelphia, which meant that Washington won the standings tiebreaker and finished second in the Patrick Division... |
Wales | Patrick | 2nd | 80 | 38 | 33 | 9 | — | 85 | 281 | 249 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 54 | 50 | Won Division Semifinals 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs The 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League , began with sixteen teams on April 6, 1988. It concluded on May 26, with the Edmonton Oilers defeating the Boston Bruins to win the Stanley Cup.-Series:... vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 4–3 Lost Division Finals vs. New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... , 3–4 |
|
| 1988–89 1988–89 Washington Capitals season The 1988-89 Washington Capitals season saw the team finish in first place in the Patrick Division with a 41-29-10 record for 92 points. However, they lost their first-round playoff match-up to the Philadelphia Flyers, four games to two.-Game log:... |
Wales | Patrick ^ | 1st | 80 | 41 | 29 | 10 | — | 92 | 281 | 325 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 18 | 25 | Lost Division Semifinals 1989 Stanley Cup playoffs The 1989 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League began on April 5, after the conclusion of the 1988–89 NHL season... vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 2–4 |
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| 1989–90 1989–90 Washington Capitals season The Washington Capitals season involved the team's first trip to the Prince of Wales Conference Finals. They lost to the Bruins 4 games to 0.-NHL Draft:-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending... |
Wales | Patrick | 3rd | 80 | 36 | 38 | 6 | — | 78 | 284 | 275 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 49 | 48 | Won Division Semifinals 1990 Stanley Cup playoffs The 1990 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the National Hockey League championship began on April 5, 1990, following the 1989–90 regular season. The sixteen teams that qualified, from the top four teams of the four divisions, played best-of-seven series with re-seeding after the division finals... vs. New Jersey Devils, 4–2 Won Division Finals vs. New York Rangers, 4–1 Lost Conference Finals vs. Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... , 0–4 |
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| 1990–91 1990–91 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... |
Wales | Patrick | 3rd | 80 | 37 | 36 | 7 | — | 81 | 258 | 258 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 29 | 35 | Won Division Semifinals 1991 Stanley Cup playoffs The 1991 Stanley Cup playoffs for the National Hockey League championship began on April 3, 1991, following the 1990–91 regular season. The sixteen teams that qualified, from the top four teams of the four divisions, played best-of-seven series with re-seeding after the division finals... vs. New York Rangers, 4–2 Lost Division Finals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... , 1–4 |
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| 1991–92 1991–92 Washington Capitals season In 1991-92, the Capitals were not shut out in any of their regular-season games and playoff games.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending... |
Wales | Patrick | 2nd | 80 | 45 | 27 | 8 | — | 98 | 330 | 275 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 27 | 25 | Lost Division Semifinals 1992 Stanley Cup playoffs The 1992 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League began on April 18, after the conclusion of the 1991–92 NHL season... vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 3–4 |
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| 1992–93 1992–93 Washington Capitals season The 1992–93 Washington Capitals season was the Capitals' nineteenth season of competition.-Regular season:During the regular season, the Caps set a club record with nine 20-goal scorers, three of whom were defensemen .Washington tied the Boston Bruins and the New York Islanders for the fewest... |
Wales | Patrick | 2nd | 84 | 43 | 34 | 7 | — | 93 | 325 | 286 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 15 | 23 | Lost Division Semifinals 1993 Stanley Cup playoffs The 1993 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League , began at the conclusion of the 1992–93 NHL season on April 18, and ended with the Stanley Cup win on June 9.... vs. New York Islanders, 2–4 |
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| 1993–94 1993–94 Washington Capitals season The 1993–94 Washington Capitals season was the Capitals' twentieth season of play.-Game log:-Quarter Finals:-Semi-Finals:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending... |
Eastern Eastern Conference (NHL) The Eastern Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Western Conference.... |
Atlantic Atlantic Division (NHL) The NHL's Atlantic Division was formed in 1993 as part of the Eastern Conference in a league realignment, the predecessor of which was the Patrick Division. It is the only division in the NHL where all of its current members have won the Stanley Cup at least twice, though only three teams have won... |
3rd | 84 | 39 | 35 | 10 | — | 88 | 277 | 263 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 32 | 32 | Won Conference Quarterfinals 1994 Stanley Cup Playoffs The 1994 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League , began after the conclusion of the 1993–94 NHL season. The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference, played best-of-7 series for conference quarterfinals, semifinals and championships, and then the... vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 4–2 Lost Conference Semifinals vs. New York Rangers, 1–4 |
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| 1994–95 1994–95 Washington Capitals season The 1994–95 Washington Capitals season was the team's twenty-first season of play. After stumbling to a 3-10-5 record by February 28, the Capitals caught a break in bringing up 20-year-old rookie goaltender Jim Carey from the Portland Pirates for their March 2 game against the New York Islanders.... |
Eastern | Atlantic | 2nd | 48 | 22 | 18 | 8 | — | 52 | 136 | 120 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 17 | Lost Conference Quarterfinals 1995 Stanley Cup Playoffs The 1995 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League was played between May 6 and June 24, 1995. In the Final, the New Jersey Devils swept the favored Detroit Red Wings in four games to win their first championship. The Quebec Nordiques played their last ever playoff series... vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 3–4 |
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| 1995–96 1995–96 Washington Capitals season The 1995–96 Washington Capitals season was the Capitals' twenty-second season of play.-Regular season:The Capitals tied the Detroit Red Wings for most shutouts for during the regular season.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... |
Eastern | Atlantic | 4th | 82 | 39 | 32 | 11 | — | 89 | 234 | 204 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 21 | Lost Conference Quarterfinals 1996 Stanley Cup Playoffs The 1996 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League , began in April, 1996. The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference, played best-of-7 series for conference quarterfinals, semifinals and championships, and then the conference champions played a... vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 2–4 |
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| 1996–97 1996–97 Washington Capitals season The 1996–97 Washington Capitals season was the team's twenty-third season of play. The Capitals finished fifth in the division, and ninth in the conference, and failed to qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... |
Eastern | Atlantic | 5th | 82 | 33 | 40 | 9 | — | 75 | 214 | 231 | — | — | — | — | — | Did not qualify | |
| 1997–98 1997–98 Washington Capitals season The 1997–98 Washington Capitals season saw the team reach the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in club history. Peter Bondra's 52 goals led the team, veterans Dale Hunter, Joe Juneau, and Adam Oates returned to old form, and Olaf Kolzig had a solid .920 save percentage as the Caps got... |
Eastern * | Atlantic | 3rd | 82 | 40 | 30 | 12 | — | 92 | 219 | 202 | 21 | 12 | 9 | 53 | 44 | Won Conference Quarterfinals 1998 Stanley Cup Playoffs The 1998 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League , began in April, 1998 following the 1997–98 regular season. The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference, played best-of-7 series for conference quarterfinals, semifinals and championships, and then the... vs. Boston Bruins, 4–2 Won Conference Semifinals vs. Ottawa Senators Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... , 4–1 Won Conference Finals vs. Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... , 4–2 Lost Stanley Cup Finals 1998 Stanley Cup Finals - Detroit Red Wings - 1998 Stanley Cup Champions :- Stanley Cup engravings :* Wally Crossman was oldest person engraved on the Stanley Cup at age 87.... vs. Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... , 0–4 |
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| 1998–99 1998–99 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-External links:... |
Eastern | Southeast Southeast Division (NHL) The NHL's Southeast Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Eastern Conference due to expansion.The Southeast Division is the only one of the six divisions that does not have a precursor from the Wales/Campbell conference era .... |
3rd | 82 | 31 | 45 | 6 | — | 68 | 200 | 218 | — | — | — | — | — | Did not qualify | |
| 1999–00 1999–2000 Washington Capitals season -Offseason:Owner Abe Pollin sold the Capitals to an investor group headed by America Online president Ted Leonsis on May 12, 1999.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-External links:... |
Eastern | Southeast ^ | 1st | 82 | 44 | 24 | 12 | 2 | 102 | 227 | 194 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 15 | Lost Conference Quarterfinals 2000 Stanley Cup Playoffs The 2000 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League , began in April, and concluded in June. The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference, played best-of-7 series for conference quarterfinals, semifinals and championships, and then the conference champions ... vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 1–4 |
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| 2000–01 2000–01 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-External links:... |
Eastern | Southeast ^ | 1st | 82 | 41 | 27 | 10 | 4 | 96 | 233 | 211 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 14 | Lost Conference Quarterfinals 2001 Stanley Cup Playoffs The 2001 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League , were played from April until June. The Colorado Avalanche defeated the New Jersey Devils to win its second Stanley Cup.... vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 2–4 |
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| 2001–02 2001–02 Washington Capitals season The 2001–02 Washington Capitals season was the team's twenty-eighth season of play. The team finished second in the Southeast, but ninth-overall in the Eastern Conference to miss the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Roster:... |
Eastern | Southeast | 2nd | 82 | 36 | 33 | 11 | 2 | 85 | 228 | 240 | – | – | – | – | – | Did not qualify | |
| 2002–03 2002–03 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-External links:... |
Eastern | Southeast | 2nd | 82 | 39 | 29 | 8 | 6 | 92 | 224 | 220 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 15 | 14 | Lost Conference Quarterfinals 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs The 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs, the National Hockey League championship, began on April 9, 2003, following the 2002–03 regular season. The playoffs concluded on June 9, 2003, with the New Jersey Devils defeating the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in seven games.The sixteen qualifying teams played... vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the... , 2–4 |
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| 2003–04 2003–04 Washington Capitals season The 2003–04 Washington Capitals season was the Capitals's thirtieth season of play. The team finished in fifth and last-place in the Southeast Division, and fourteenth overall in the Eastern Conference to miss the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:... |
Eastern | Southeast | 5th | 82 | 23 | 46 | 10 | 3 | 59 | 186 | 253 | – | – | – | – | – | Did not qualify | |
| 2004–05 2004–05 Washington Capitals season The 2004–05 Washington Capitals season was their 31st National Hockey League season. Its games were cancelled as the 2004–05 NHL lockout could not be resolved in time. As a result, Alexander Ovechkin would not make his NHL debut until the start of 2005–06 season.-NHL Draft:-References:... |
Eastern | Southeast | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | No playoffs | |
| 2005–06 | Eastern | Southeast | 5th | 82 | 29 | 41 | — | 12 | 70 | 237 | 306 | – | – | – | – | – | Did not qualify | |
| 2006–07 2006–07 Washington Capitals season -Regular season:* December 15, 2006 - Ovechkin gets the second hat trick of his career. The third goal is scored six seconds into overtime, tying Ovechkin for the fastest scoring goal in overtime history.-October:-November:-December:-January:-February:... |
Eastern | Southeast | 5th | 82 | 28 | 40 | — | 14 | 70 | 235 | 286 | – | – | – | – | – | Did not qualify | |
| 2007–08 2007–08 Washington Capitals season The 2007–08 Washington Capitals season began on October 5, 2007. It was the Washington Capitals' 34th season in the National Hockey League.On November 22, coach Glen Hanlon was fired after starting the Capitals with a 6-14-1 record; the team's worst start since 1981–82... |
Eastern | Southeast ^ | 1st | 82 | 43 | 31 | — | 8 | 94 | 242 | 231 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 20 | 23 | Lost Conference Quarterfinals 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs The 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 9, 2008, after the 2007–08 regular season. The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference, played best-of-7 series for conference quarterfinals, semifinals and championships, and then the conference champions... vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 3–4 |
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| 2008–09 2008–09 Washington Capitals season The 2008–09 Washington Capitals season is the team's 35th in the National Hockey League. The Capitals finished the regular season with a record of 50-24-8 and a team record 108 points, and they won their second consecutive Southeast Division championship. They defeated the New York Rangers in the... |
Eastern | Southeast ^ | 1st | 82 | 50 | 24 | — | 8 | 108 | 272 | 245 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 41 | 38 | Won Conference Quarterfinals 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs The 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 15, 2009, after the 2008–09 regular season. The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference , play a best-of-seven series for the conference quarterfinals, semifinals and championships, and... vs. New York Rangers, 4–3 Lost Conference Semifinals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 3–4 |
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| 2009–10 2009–10 Washington Capitals season The 2009–10 Washington Capitals season was the 36th season for the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League . The season started with the 2009 NHL Entry Draft on June 26–27, with the Capitals holding the 24th selection in the draft.... |
Eastern | Southeast ^ | 1st | 82 | 54 | 15 | — | 13 | 121 # | 318 | 233 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 22 | 20 | Lost Conference Quarterfinals 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs The 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 14, 2010, after the 2009–10 NHL regular season. The Finals ended on June 9, 2010, with the Chicago Blackhawks defeating the Philadelphia Flyers four games to two to win their fourth championship and their first since 1961... vs. Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... , 3–4 |
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| 2010–11 2010–11 Washington Capitals season The 2010–11 Washington Capitals season is the 37th season for the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League . Despite the Capitals' first round exit in the 2010 Playoffs, ticket prices for this season were increased between 13 and 50 percent.... |
Eastern | Southeast ^ | 1st | 82 | 48 | 23 | — | 11 | 107 | 224 | 197 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 23 | 24 | Won Conference Quarterfinals 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs The 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 13, 2011, after the conclusion of the 2010–11 NHL regular season. Game 1 of the Finals was held on June 1, while Game 7 was held on June 15... vs. New York Rangers, 4–1 Lost Conference Semifinals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, 0–4 |
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| Totals | 2,886 | 1,263 | 1,237 | 303 | 51 | 2,912 | 9,185 | 9,509 | 209 | 101 | 108 | 606 | 606 | |||||