WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals, led by Alex Ovechkin, have become the first NHL team to secure a playoff spot this season. This impressive achievement, accomplished during their 69th game, was supported by favorable outcomes in other league matchups as well. Remarkably, the Capitals are the only team since the 16-team playoff expansion in the 1979-80 season to be the first to qualify after being the last to do so in the previous year.
Ovechkin expressed satisfaction with the team’s early clinch, emphasizing the difficulty of each game, especially toward the season’s end as competition heightens. “Our goal was to make the playoffs this year,” Ovechkin stated after netting his 888th career goal, helping to secure a narrow 3-2 victory over Philadelphia. “It’s hard. Every game is hard, especially at the end because every team is fighting. That’s why it’s crucial to gather points early and mid-season to ensure comfort at the end.” Last season, the Capitals needed all 82 games to secure their spot, essentially playing each as a playoff game toward the end.
Washington’s core players, including Ovechkin, Tom Wilson, and John Carlson, remain integral to their success. The team bolstered its lineup with vital offseason additions, such as center Pierre-Luc Dubois, wingers Andrew Mangiapane, Taylor Raddysh, and Brandon Duhaime, defensemen Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy, and goaltender Logan Thompson, each contributing positively.
Currently, the Capitals lead the NHL with a striking 100 points, securing a 13-point advantage at the top of the Eastern Conference. “It’s been great,” Mangiapane commented, praising the depth and consistency of the team. “We have a really deep team: all four lines are great, all defensive pairings contribute, and both goalies have been remarkable. We’ve maintained consistency throughout the year, and any player can make a difference to help us win.”
Reflecting on their 2018 Stanley Cup victory, only Ovechkin, Wilson, Carlson, and Lars Eller (traded and since reacquired) remain from that team. Although longtime fixtures like center Nicklas Backstrom and winger T.J. Oshie are sidelined due to career-ending injuries, they continue to be inspired by the Capitals’ strong performance this season. “This team has just been outstanding all year,” Backstrom noted. “There’s a noticeable calmness in their play, no panic. They’re working for each other, which is essential as they approach the playoffs.”
