NHL Playoffs: Failure To Capital-ize Will Come Back To Haunt Washington
Everything about the Washington Capitals in 2024-25 was a feel-good story. Until, of course, they ran into the buzzsaw known as the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Capitals' vaunted offense dried up, and they bowed out meekly, scoring just six non-empty-net goals in five games against a red-hot Frederik Andersen.
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It was an enormous missed opportunity for the Capitals, who almost certainly will not have the confluence of great mojo they experienced this season ever again.
The off-season moves made by then-GM Brian MacLellan all worked out wonderfully, and almost every player on the roster had a career year. Alex Ovechkin chased, and passed, Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record, which brought a focus on both the Capitals and the NHL.
But what now? Logic would suggest that there's no way all those players are going to outperform their career numbers again. Some might, but not all of them. A regression looks to be in the cards here. The only question is how dramatic and quick it is.
Watch today's video column for more.
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Promo image credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Miami Herald
After excelling on road all playoffs, it's time for Panthers to produce at home in Cup Final
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Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
South Florida pro sports teams are inspired by the success of the Florida Panthers
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(Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP) Florida Panthers' general manager Bill Zito, left, and head coach Paul Maurice speak to media during a news conference, Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, ahead of Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup final series against the Edmonton Oilers. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) Florida Panthers' Brad Marchand (63) celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period in Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, in Edmonton, Alberta, Friday, June 6, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP) FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Jaylen Waddle considers himself the Florida Panthers' good luck charm. The Miami Dolphins wide receiver has been to several Panthers hockey games over the years. He banged the drum before a postseason matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning last season. He cheered on coach Paul Maurice's team after a thrilling overtime win over Tampa Bay this year. 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Miami Herald
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Greg Cote's Hot Button Top 10: Marchand Miracle rescues Cats, NBA, Coco, death of amateurism & more
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