ARLINGTON, Va. — When Alex Ovechkin invited his Washington Capitals teammates to celebrate his 39th birthday in September, his message was clear: all eyes were on the Stanley Cup, not on breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record.
“He wasn’t talking about records; he was focused on a solid playoff run and getting the team to perform well,” winger Tom Wilson noted.
Ovechkin eventually surpassed Gretzky’s NHL career goals milestone later in the season, and the Capitals exceeded expectations by finishing at the forefront of the Eastern Conference. Now, they face a new challenge as they prepare to open the playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens, aiming to win a series for the first time since their 2018 Stanley Cup victory.
“This is what we work for during the entire year,” said Ovechkin, who scored 44 goals to bring his total to 897. “All that effort throughout the season is to get to this point and seize this opportunity.”
The Capitals are the favorites in the 1-8 matchup in the East, largely thanks to their performance over the long 82-game regular season. That said, they experienced a rough patch, losing eight of their last 12 games while prioritizing Ovechkin’s record and ensuring their players were rested ahead of the playoffs.
The challenge now is for Washington to revert to the high-performing team it was through the first three-quarters of the season.
“It’s not as simple as flipping a switch,” said Wilson, who just completed his first 30-goal season. “But we have spent all year building habits and assembling a system we are confident in.”
Montreal draws its momentum from a strong finish, having won seven of their last ten games to clinch a playoff spot. Their formidable top line, featuring captain Nick Suzuki, 37-goal scorer Cole Caufield, and 2022 first overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky, poses a significant threat. The Canadiens also introduced their electrifying top prospect, Ivan Demidov, in the last two regular-season games.
“They’re very talented,” remarked Capitals center Dylan Strome, who achieved career highs with 29 goals, 53 assists, and 82 points. “Their young players have had breakout seasons. Caufield, Suzuki, Slafkovsky, and the addition of Demidov make them an offensive powerhouse. If we don’t play strong defensive hockey, we’ll have a tough road ahead.”
The Capitals are grappling with roster challenges. Forward Aliaksei Protas remains sidelined with a skate injury, missing the last six games, while defenseman Martin Fehervary will be absent for at least the series’ opening due to a lower-body injury. Coach Spencer Carbery, a strong contender for the Jack Adams Award, remains tight-lipped regarding their potential return.
Carbery is also coy about his starting goaltender decision between Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren. Thompson has been off the ice since an April injury, while Lindgren filled in admirably. “Our goalies have been reliable all year,” Strome said. “We trust them; it’s up to us to defend well and support them in their role.”
Washington’s recent defensive record is a concern, having allowed an average of 3.59 goals in their final 17 games after being among the league’s best defensively.
The Capitals introduced their top prospect late in the season when Ryan Leonard entered the lineup following Boston College’s NCAA tournament exit. With Protas unavailable, Leonard’s role increases in importance.
Meanwhile, the excitement surrounding Demidov in Montreal reached a fever pitch when the 19-year-old arrived in Canada. Considered one of the best young talents not yet in the NHL, he impressed with a goal and an assist in his debut and could prove pivotal in the series.
“He’s phenomenal,” Caufield commented. “His work ethic, skating, and puck handling are fantastic to watch.”
Coach Martin St. Louis, a Hall of Famer and Cup champion, appreciates the depth Demidov adds, particularly to a struggling power play that was abysmal late in the season.
“We have more strategic options now,” St. Louis said. “Demidov is a new asset; figuring out the best way to leverage all our potential is an ongoing process.”