The 2024-25 Washington Capitals season was a wild and memorable one — full of milestone moments, and a return to being a serious threat in the East. The playoff run was cut shorter than fans had hoped, but the Capitals had a major resurgence this year, finishing 51-22-9. This season was their best record-wise since 2016-17, and they won the Metropolitan division. Their first round series win against the Montreal Canadiens was their first playoff series win since they won the Stanley Cup in 2018, but Washington fell to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in round two.
The biggest headline of the season was captain Alex Ovechkin, who made history by passing Wayne Gretzky in goals and becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goalscorer.The moment of netting goal No. 895 was electric, and watching Ovi continue to lead at age 39 was a thrill to fans who have watched him for over two decades. He finished the season with 42 goals, third in the NHL.
Offensively, the team’s new look was refreshing. After losses of longtime offensive weapons Nicklas Backstrom, TJ Oshie and Evgeny Kuznetsov, the Capitals were led by some of their younger talent this season. Dylan Strome had a breakout season leading the team in points (77) and assists (51). Aliaksei Protas also had a breakout season, becoming a major contributor with 30 goals and 66 points. Longtime Washington defenseman John Carlson hit his own milestone, becoming the first defenseman in team history to play 1,000 games — and surpassed the record for the most goals by a Caps defenseman. Goalie Logan Thompson stepped up in a big way, holding down the crease with 31 wins and a 2.49 GAA. His consistency gave the Caps a chance in a lot of tight games.
Still, there’s a lot to like about where this team is headed. Hopefully the fans enjoyed being atop the division again, and a series loss to one of the league’s top Stanley Cup contenders shouldn’t take away all of the team’s success this season. With a core of veterans and younger talent stepping up, the Capitals look like they’re not done competing just yet. The offseason will be major in determining if this team can take the next step. Either way, the 2024-25 season gave fans plenty to cheer about and left them wanting more.